Updating a secure token of a contingent asset

ABSTRACT

A method executed by a computing entity includes obtaining, in accordance with a securely passing process, control over a secure first token representing a first pending transaction associated with a transaction item. The method further includes obtaining a selection of a first subset of instant assets of a set of candidate instant assets that may be utilized to subsequently provide conversion of the selected contingent asset to complete the first pending transaction. The method further includes generating an updated secure first token in accordance with the securely passing process to represent the selection of the first subset of instant assets of the set of candidate instant assets to subsequently provide the conversion of the selected contingent asset to complete the first pending transaction.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present U.S. Utility Pat. Application claims priority pursuant to 35U.S.C. § 120 as a continuation in part of U.S. Utility Application No.17/842,146 , entitled "UTILIZING RISK TO PROCESS RECORDS REPRESENTINGCONTINGENT ASSETS" filed Jun. 16, 2022, pending, which claims prioritypursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No.63/215,850, entitled "UTILIZING RISK TO TRANSACT CONTINGENT ASSETS",filed Jun. 28, 2021, all of which are hereby incorporated herein byreference in their entirety and made part of the present U.S. UtilityPatent Application for all purposes.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Technical Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to computer systems and moreparticularly to computer systems providing risk analysis.

Description of Related Art

Computer systems communicate data, process data, and/or store data. Suchcomputer systems include computing devices that range from wirelesssmart phones, laptops, tablets, personal computers (PC), work stations,personal three-dimensional (3-D) content viewers, and video gamedevices, to data centers where data servers store and provide access todigital content. Some digital content is utilized to represent variousaspects of assets. Examples of representations includes an asset type,an asset value, a value guarantee, an asset owner identifier, etc.

A variety of asset computing systems utilize asset listing and assettransaction techniques when asset valuation is not subject to acontingency. For example, a stock asset is offered on an exchange at amarket price and is sold to a buyer. As another example, a receivableasset is offered on another exchange at another market price and is soldto another buyer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRA WING(S)

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a computingsystem in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2A is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a computingentity of a computing system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2B is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a computingdevice of a computing system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a computingdevice of a computing system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of an environmentsensor module of a computing system in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIGS. 5A-5H are schematic block diagrams of another embodiment of acomputing system and a contingent asset risk chart illustrating anexample of listing a contingent asset for sale in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIGS. 6A-6F are schematic block diagrams of another embodiment of acomputing system and a contingent asset risk chart illustrating anexample of updating a listing of a contingent asset for sale inaccordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 7A-7H are schematic block diagrams of another embodiment of acomputing system and a contingent asset risk chart illustrating anexample of executing a sale of a contingent asset to a buyer from aseller in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 8A-8D are schematic block diagrams of another embodiment of acomputing system and a contingent asset risk chart illustrating anexample of facilitating payment from a payer to a buyer for a contingentasset in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 9A is a schematic block diagram of a data structure for a smartcontract in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 9B and 9C are schematic block diagrams of organization of objectdistributed ledgers in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 9D is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a blockchainassociated with an object distributed ledger in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIGS. 9E-9M are schematic block diagrams of another embodiment of acomputing system, contingent asset risk charts, and a blockchain recordillustrating an example of listing a contingent asset for sale utilizingan object distributed ledger in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 10A-10F are schematic block diagrams of another embodiment of acomputing system and a contingent asset risk chart illustrating anexample of updating a listing for a contingent asset for sale utilizinga blockchain record in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 11A-11H are schematic block diagrams of another embodiment of acomputing system and a contingent asset risk chart illustrating anexample of executing a sale of a contingent asset to a buyer from aseller utilizing a blockchain record in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIGS. 12A-12D are schematic block diagrams of another embodiment of acomputing system and a contingent asset risk chart illustrating anexample of facilitating payment from a payer to a buyer for a contingentasset utilizing a blockchain record in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIGS. 13A-13F are schematic block diagrams of another embodiment of acomputing system and a contingent asset risk chart illustrating anexample of updating a listing for a contingent asset for sale utilizinga split blockchain record in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 14A-14H are schematic block diagrams of another embodiment of acomputing system and a contingent asset risk chart illustrating anexample of executing a sale of a portion of a contingent asset to abuyer from a seller utilizing a split blockchain record in accordancewith the present invention;

FIGS. 15A-15H are schematic block diagrams of another embodiment of acomputing system and a contingent asset risk chart illustrating anexample of listing a contingent asset for sale utilizing a splitblockchain record in accordance with the present invention.

FIGS. 16A-16D are schematic block diagrams of another embodiment of acomputing system and a contingent asset risk chart illustrating anexample of facilitating payment from a payer to a buyer for a contingentasset utilizing a split blockchain record in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIGS. 17A-17F are schematic block diagrams of another embodiment of acomputing system and a contingent asset risk chart illustrating anexample of creating a contingent asset for conversion into an instantasset at a point of purchase in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 18A-18F are schematic block diagrams of another embodiment of acomputing system and a contingent asset risk chart illustrating anexample of executing a sale of a contingent asset for conversion into aninstant asset at a point of purchase in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIGS. 18G-18H are schematic block diagrams of an embodiment of acomputing system illustrating an example of securely converting acontingent asset into an instant asset at a point of purchase inaccordance with the present invention; and

FIGS. 19A-19D are schematic block diagrams of another embodiment of acomputing system and a contingent asset risk chart illustrating anexample of utilizing a contingent asset for conversion into an instantasset at a point of purchase in accordance with the present invention;and

FIGS. 19E-19F are schematic block diagrams of an embodiment of acomputing system illustrating an example of updating a secure token of acontingent asset in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a computingsystem 10 that includes a real world environment 12, computing entities20-1 through 20-N, a computing entity 21, computing entities 23-1through 23-N, and computing entities 25-1 through 25-N. The real-worldenvironment 12 includes places 22 and objects 24. The computing entity21 includes an asset module 30, and a contingent asset database 34. Inan embodiment, the computing entity 21 serves as an exchange computingentity. In another embodiment, the computing entity 21 serves as amarketplace computing entity and/or device. In an embodiment, thecomputing entities 25-1 through 25-N serve as an asset authenticitycomputing entity (e.g., where tasks include authenticating validity andinformation with regards to a contingent asset). In an embodiment, thecomputing entities 23-1 through 23-N serve as blockchain nodes and/or asobject ledger computing entities and/or object ledger computing devicesof an object distributed ledger and/or computing entities associatingwith buyers of contingent assets.

The places 22 includes any physical area. Examples of places 22 includesa room, a series of rooms, an entire building, a portion of a building,an outdoor space, a neighborhood, a city, etc. The objects 24 includesthings within the places. Examples of objects 24 includes people,equipment, lights, heating and air conditioning systems, buildingmaterials, furniture, personal items, tools, and representations ofinformation (i.e., video recordings, audio recordings, captured text,etc.).

In an example of operation of the computing system 10, the computingentity 20-1 communicates with seller 26-1 of a plurality of sellers 26-1through 26-N utilizing human input/output (I/O) 42. The computing entity20-1 (e.g., an object owner computing entity) interprets the human I/O42 and environment attributes 36 from the real world environment 12 toproduce a seller message 30, where the seller message 30 is associatedwith a request to sell a contingent asset. The contingent asset includesa potential liability for a payer to pay an owner of the contingentasset subsequent to a contingency aspect of the contingent asset beingsatisfied. The contingency aspect includes an approval requirement forthe contingent asset. For example, when unapproved the payer is not yetfully liable to pay the owner. As another example, when approved, thepayer is liable to pay the owner with regards to the liability inaccordance with terms of the liability.

The environment attributes 36 includes detectable measures of thereal-world environment 12 to facilitate generation of amulti-dimensional (e.g., including time) representation of thereal-world environment 12 in a virtual reality and/or augmented realityenvironment. For example, the environment attributes 36 includes XYZposition information, place information of the places 22, and objectinformation of the objects 24 (i.e., background, foreground, homeowner,contractor, etc.). The XYZ position information includes portrayal in aworld space industry standard format (e.g., with reference to anabsolute position). For instance, the environment attributes 36 portraysa representation of recent energy efficiency improvements made to ahouse.

Having generated the seller message 30, the computing entity 20-1 sendsthe seller message 30 to the computing entity 21. The asset module 30 ofthe computing entity 21 generates a contingent asset record associatedwith the contingent asset. The asset module 30 issues a payer message 35to the computing entity 25-1, where the payer message 35 includes arequest to authenticate the contingent asset.

Having received the payer message 35, the computing entity 25-1authenticates the contingent asset (e.g., verifies that the contingentasset has been created). The computing entity 25-1 issues another payermessage 35 to the computing entity 21, where the other payer message 35indicates that the contingent asset is favorably authenticated.

When the contingent asset has been favorably authenticated, thecomputing entity 21 determines a risk level associated with a contingentasset lifecycle of the contingent asset for at least a portion of thelifecycle. The contingent asset lifecycle starts when the contingentasset is created and ends when the liability associated with thecontingent asset has been paid out in accordance with the terms of theliability. The contingent asset lifecycle is discussed in greater detailwith reference to FIG. 5A.

The determining of the risk level associated with the contingent assetis based on numerous parameters and will ultimately be utilized todetermine fair valuation of the contingent asset at any time during thecontingent asset lifecycle. As it is the intention of the computingentity 21 to facilitate sale of the contingent asset from the seller26-1 to at least one buyer of buyers 28-1 through 28-N via the computingentities 23-1 through 23-N, the determining of the risk level associatedwith the contingent asset includes an aggregate of a plurality ofestimated risk levels. The plurality of estimated risk levels includesvarious risks associated with the seller 26-1, with the buyer, with apayer associated with the computing entity 25-1, and with the contingentasset itself. The determining of the risk level associated with acontingent asset will be discussed in greater detail with reference toFIGS. 5A-5H.

Having determined the risk level associated with the condition asset,the computing entity 21 negotiates aspects of a listing for thecontingent asset with the computing entity 20-1 via further sellermessages 30 on behalf of the seller 26-1 (e.g., agreed-upon listingprice, timeframe, restrictions, etc.). The computing entity 21communicates a listing for the contingent asset via a buyer messages 33with the computing entities 23-1 through 23-N associated with the buyers28-1 through 28-N.

Having received a buyer message 33 with regards to the listing of thecontingent asset, the computing entity 23-1 determines whether to offera bid for the contingent asset on behalf of the buyer 28-1.Alternatively, the computing entity 21 determines whether to offer thebid on behalf of one of the buyers. For example, the buyer 28-1 provideshuman I/O 43 to the computing entity 23-1 with a bid price and a maximumprice to initiate making an offer for the condition asset.

When making a bid, the computing entity 23-1 issues a further buyermessage 33 to the computing entity 21 that includes informationassociated with the bid for the contingent asset. When successful, thecomputing entity 21 updates the record for the contingent asset toindicate that the buyer 28-1 is now the owner for the contingent asset(e.g., and not the seller 26-1). The updating the record includesdisassociating the computing entity 20-1 with the contingent asset andassociating the computing entity 23-1 with the contingent asset.

When the computing entity 21 detects that the contingency aspect of thecontingent asset has been satisfied, the computing entity 21 updates therecord associated with the contingent asset to indicate that a statushas changed from contingent to noncontingent for the asset associatedwith the original contingent asset. For example, the asset module 30receives another payer message 35 from the computing entity 25-1 thatincludes the indication that the status has changed to noncontingent,updates the record for the contingent asset, and stores the updatedrecord in the contingent asset database 34. Alternatively, or inaddition to, the computing entity 21 publishes the updated status to thecomputing entities associated with the buyers utilizing the updatedrecord when the asset is available and has not been purchased by one ofthe buyers.

When the computing entity 21 detects the end of the contingent assetlifecycle (e.g., receiving a payer message 35 from the computing entity25-1 that indicates that the payer liability is now to be settled), thecomputing entity 21 facilitates payment to one or more current owners(e.g., the buyer 28-1). For example, the computing entity 21 receivesanother payer message 35 from the computing entity 25-1 that includespayment information. The computing entity determines payoff informationbased on the payment information and issues another buyer message 33 tothe computing entity 23-1 that includes the payoff information.

FIG. 2A is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of the computingentity (e.g., 20-1 through 20-N; 21; 23-1 through 23-N; and 25-1 through25-N) of the computing system 10 of FIG. 1 . The computing entityincludes one or more computing devices 100-1 through 100-N. A computingdevice is any electronic device that communicates data, processes data,represents data (e.g., user interface) and/or stores data.

Computing devices include portable computing devices and fixed computingdevices. Examples of portable computing devices include an embeddedcontroller, a smart sensor, a social networking device, a gaming device,a smart phone, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a video gamecontroller, and/or any other portable device that includes a computingcore. Examples of fixed computing devices includes a personal computer,a computer server, a cable set-top box, a fixed display device, anappliance, and industrial controller, a video game counsel, a homeentertainment controller, a critical infrastructure controller, and/orany type of home, office or cloud computing equipment that includes acomputing core.

FIG. 2B is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a computingdevice (e.g., 100-1 through 100-N) of the computing entity of FIG. 2Athat includes one or more computing cores 52-1 through 52-N, a memorymodule 102, a human interface module 18, an environment sensor module14, and an input/output (I/O) module 104. In alternative embodiments,the human interface module 18, the environment sensor module 14, the I/Omodule 104, and the memory module 102 may be standalone (e.g., externalto the computing device). An embodiment of the computing device isdiscussed in greater detail with reference to FIG. 3 .

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of thecomputing device 100-1 of the computing system 10 that includes thehuman interface module 18, the environment sensor module 14, thecomputing core 52-1, the memory module 102, and the I/O module 104. Thehuman interface module 18 includes one or more visual output devices 74(e.g., video graphics display, 3-D viewer, touchscreen, LED, etc.), oneor more visual input devices 80 (e.g., a still image camera, a videocamera, a 3-D video camera, photocell, etc.), and one or more audiooutput devices 78 (e.g., speaker(s), headphone jack, a motor, etc.). Thehuman interface module 18 further includes one or more user inputdevices 76 (e.g., keypad, keyboard, touchscreen, voice to text, a pushbutton, a microphone, a card reader, a door position switch, a biometricinput device, etc.) and one or more motion output devices 106 (e.g.,servos, motors, lifts, pumps, actuators, anything to get real-worldobjects to move).

The computing core 52-1 includes a video graphics module 54, one or moreprocessing modules 50-1 through 50-N, a memory controller 56, one ormore main memories 58-1 through 58-N (e.g., RAM), one or moreinput/output (I/O) device interface modules 62, an input/output (I/O)controller 60, and a peripheral interface 64. A processing module is asdefined at the end of the detailed description.

The memory module 102 includes a memory interface module 70 and one ormore memory devices, including flash memory devices 92, hard drive (HD)memory 94, solid state (SS) memory 96, and cloud memory 98. The cloudmemory 98 includes an on-line storage system and an on-line backupsystem.

The I/O module 104 includes a network interface module 72, a peripheraldevice interface module 68, and a universal serial bus (USB) interfacemodule 66. Each of the I/O device interface module 62, the peripheralinterface 64, the memory interface module 70, the network interfacemodule 72, the peripheral device interface module 68, and the USBinterface modules 66 includes a combination of hardware (e.g.,connectors, wiring, etc.) and operational instructions stored on memory(e.g., driver software) that are executed by one or more of theprocessing modules 50-1 through 50-N and/or a processing circuit withinthe particular module.

The I/O module 104 further includes one or more wireless location modems84 (e.g., global positioning satellite (GPS), Wi-Fi, angle of arrival,time difference of arrival, signal strength, dedicated wirelesslocation, etc.) and one or more wireless communication modems 86 (e.g.,a cellular network transceiver, a wireless data network transceiver, aWi-Fi transceiver, a Bluetooth transceiver, a 315 MHz transceiver, a zigbee transceiver, a 60 GHz transceiver, etc.). The I/O module 104 furtherincludes a telco interface 108 (e.g., to interface to a public switchedtelephone network), a wired local area network (LAN) 88 (e.g., optical,electrical), and a wired wide area network (WAN) 90 (e.g., optical,electrical). The I/O module 104 further includes one or more peripheraldevices (e.g., peripheral devices 1-P) and one or more universal serialbus (USB) devices (USB devices 1-U). In other embodiments, the computingdevice 100-1 may include more or less devices and modules than shown inthis example embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of the environmentsensor module 14 of the computing device of FIG. 2B that includes asensor interface module 120 to output environment sensor information 150based on information communicated with a set of sensors. The set ofsensors includes a visual sensor 122 (e.g., to the camera, 3-D camera,360° view camera, a camera array, an optical spectrometer, etc.) and anaudio sensor 124 (e.g., a microphone, a microphone array). The set ofsensors further includes a motion sensor 126 (e.g., a solid-state Gyro,a vibration detector, a laser motion detector) and a position sensor 128(e.g., a Hall effect sensor, an image detector, a GPS receiver, a radarsystem).

The set of sensors further includes a scanning sensor 130 (e.g., CATscan, MRI, x-ray, ultrasound, radio scatter, particle detector, lasermeasure, further radar) and a temperature sensor 132 (e.g., thermometer,thermal coupler). The set of sensors further includes a humidity sensor134 (resistance based, capacitance based) and an altitude sensor 136(e.g., pressure based, GPS-based, laser-based).

The set of sensors further includes a biosensor 138 (e.g., enzyme,microbial) and a chemical sensor 140 (e.g., mass spectrometer, gas,polymer). The set of sensors further includes a magnetic sensor 142(e.g., Hall effect, piezo electric, coil, magnetic tunnel junction) andany generic sensor 144 (e.g., including a hybrid combination of two ormore of the other sensors).

FIGS. 5A-5H are schematic block diagrams of another embodiment of acomputing system and a contingent asset risk chart illustrating anexample of listing a contingent asset for sale. The computing systemincludes the computing entity 20-1 of FIG. 1 , the computing entity 21of FIG. 1 , computing entities 23-1 through 23-N of FIG. 1 , and thecomputing entity 25-1 of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 5A illustrates an example method of operation of the listing of thecontingent asset for sale where in a first step the asset module 30obtains a set of asset sale requests 200-1 through 200-N from thecomputing entity 20-1. A first asset of a first asset sale request ofthe set of asset sale requests assigns a face value level of a potentialfirst liability of a first payer to a first seller associated with thefirst asset. At least a portion of the face value of the potential firstliability is to be paid by the first payer to the first seller inaccordance with contingency information and subsequent to completion ofa first asset lifecycle of the first asset. The set of asset salerequests are generated within a sales timeframe.

Turning to FIG. 5B where a risk chart represents a portrayal of overallrisk of the contingent asset over the lifecycle of the contingent asset,the lifecycle begins at time t0 when the asset is created. For example,the seller requests that the payer acknowledge the potential liabilityof the payer to the seller in the form of the contingent asset.

The overall risk level is based on an aggregate of risks of all of theentities involved in transactions of the asset or even other associatedassets (e.g., assets associated with other asset sale requests withinthe sales timeframe) and the asset itself. The risks of the asset itselfinclude one or more of a contingent asset program type associated withthe payer, a history of payouts for similar assets of similar programtypes, a face value amount of the asset (e.g., an original requestedamount of the potential liability by the seller), and an age of theasset (e.g., time since asset creation along the asset lifecycle).

Subsequent to creation of the asset, the seller generates an asset salerequest with the hopes to receive at least some payment in exchange forthe asset far before the end of the lifecycle. Subsequent to the assetsale request, the asset becomes available for sale. In the example ofthe risk level, the risk is gradually decreasing as time goes on sinceno early rejection by the payer has been generated. Subsequent to theasset sale request, the payer approves the potential liability such thatthe contingency of approval has been removed and the asset is nowassociated with the noncontingent status at t4. Prior to approval, theexample indicates that the risk is gradually increasing since approvalis expected but not yet received.

The example indicates that the risk level drops significantly uponapproval of the of the contingency since the liability has greatercertainty of a subsequent payout. The example indicates that the risk isgradually falling after approval since no adjustments to an amount ofthe payout have been received yet from the payer. The example indicatesa gradual increase in the risk just prior to the payout when the payoutis expected at t7. Lifecycle ends when the payer facilitates the payoutof the liability (e.g., from the payer to one or more owners of theasset).

Alternatively, at any time during the lifecycle, the risk jumpssignificantly when the payer rejects the potential liability of thepayer. Further alternatively, the asset is sold such that the seller isdisassociated from ownership and that one or more buyers are associatedwith ownership of the asset. The transitioning of ownership is possibleat any time during the lifecycle of the asset but more likely after theasset is made available for sale and before the approval of theliability.

Returning to FIG. 5A, the contingency information for each assetincludes a variety of elements that are maintained in the contingentasset database 34 by the asset module 30. The contingency informationincludes an asset identifier (ID), an ask price (e.g., what the sellerwould like to receive), a reserve price (e.g., a minimum price that isacceptable), a lifecycle status indicator (e.g., indicating a currentassociation of the asset to the lifecycle such as contingent,noncontingent, pending payment, payment approved, rejected and closed,payment completed and closed, etc. ), and ownership information (e.g.,one or more identifiers associated with current owners which may includethe seller, percentage ownership levels by owner).

The contingency information further includes at least one payeridentifier, a percentage of the potential liability assigned to eachpayer, a payer program identifier (e.g., an energy efficiency rebateprogram ID, a four new tire purchase rebate program ID, etc.), and timestamp information (e.g., dates and times for each step of anyinformation transfer or transaction associated with the asset). Thecontingency information further includes a face value of the potentialliability (e.g., a rebate amount when 100% of the liability is to bepaid), an estimated payout level (e.g., a value less than or equal tothe face value which is a function of available funds and/or complianceto the program etc.), an estimated payout timeframe (e.g., t7 of thelifecycle), and bid information (e.g., bid amount, bid timestamp, entityID associated with the bid). The contingency information furtherincludes risk information (e.g., the overall risk level associated withthe asset and component risk levels that make up the overall risk levelsuch as asset risk, seller risk, payer risk, and buyer risk).

The contingency information further includes related asset information,an authenticity indicator, and asset split information. The relatedasset information includes other asset identifiers associated with theasset, relationships between the asset and the other assets (e.g., sameseller, same program, same payer, same buyer, similar risk information,etc.). The authenticity indicator includes an indication of when theasset is deemed authentic (e.g., a verified payer agrees to thepotential liability), and unknown authenticity, and a not authentic(e.g., no payer agrees to the potential liability implied by the asset).

The asset split information includes a number of portions of the asset,a percentage of each portion, portion options (e.g., any additionalterms to do with transactions associated with the asset such as recoursewhere the seller agrees to pay to cover downside associated with arejection of the request for the potential liability from the payer),and pricing information proportion. The pricing information proportionof the asset includes an ask price, a bid price, a bid-ask spread, and areserve price.

Returning to the first step of the example method of operation, wherethe computing entity 21 obtains the asset sale request 200-1 associatedwith the first asset, the asset module 30 obtains the asset sale request200-1 by at least one of identifying desired assets associated with thecomputing entity 20-1 (e.g., identify what a seller associated with thecomputing entity 20-1 should offer for sale), requesting that thecomputing entity 20-1 issue the sale request, and receiving the salerequest from the computing entity 20-1. In an embodiment the computingentity 20-1 is associated with a third party representing one or moresellers.

The asset sale request 200-1 includes one or more of an ask price, areserve price, recourse information (e.g., terms of the recourse, acredit card number, etc.), an asset ID (e.g., of the first asset), aface value of the potential liability, a payer identifier, and apercentage liability of each of one or more payers when more than onepayer is associated with the potential liability. The asset sale requestfurther includes one or more of the lifecycle status, the ownershipinformation, the payer program ID, the timestamp information, therelated asset information, and the asset split information.

Each asset sale request of the asset sale request 200-1 through 200-Ninclude similar attributes as described above. In an instance, the setof asset sale requests are related by an intention to sell a block ofassets that are all associated with the same payer and same payerprogram. The risk level associated with the block of similar assets islower than the individual risk levels if sold separately since the blockis generally viewed as more legitimate, especially when the payeractively supports larger blocks of assets.

FIG. 5C further illustrates the example method of operation of thelisting of the contingent asset for sale where, having obtained the setof asset sale requests, in a second step the computing entity 21 selectsa first asset sale request of the set of asset sale requests based on afirst authenticity indicator associated with the first asset salerequest. The selecting includes obtaining the first authenticityindicator (e.g., requesting from the payer, determining the authenticityindicator, extracting the authenticity indicator from the first assetsale request when the payer provided the authenticity indicator to theseller, and receiving the authenticity indicator from the payer). Forexample, the asset module 30 receives a first authenticity indicator 204from the computing entity 25-1. The selecting further includesinterpreting the first authenticity indicator. For instance, the assetmodule 30 interprets the first authenticity indicator 204 to indicatethat the first asset is authentic.

The selecting the first asset sale request further includes determiningthat the first asset has not yet been listed for sale and identifying anasset of the set of asset sale requests as the first asset when theasset is a most desired asset of assets of the set of asset salerequests. The identifying includes identifying a best fit for the sellerto sell, detecting an asset risk level below a maximum risk thresholdlevel, determining that other sales by the seller are associated withrisk levels below a maximum seller risk threshold level, verifying thatthe payer is associated with a risk level below a maximum payer riskthreshold level, and verifying that the seller has sold an aggregate ofassets that is below a maximum seller cap.

Having selected the first asset sale request, in a third step of theexample method of operation of the listing of the contingent asset forsale, the computing entity 21 determines whether a first asset risklevel of the first asset of the first asset sale request is greater thana contingency risk threshold level as illustrated in FIG. 5D. The firstasset is created by a computing entity associated with the first payer(e.g., the computing entity 25-1, the computing entity 20-1 on behalf ofthe computing entity 25-1, the computing entity 21 on behalf of thecomputing entity 25-1).

The determining includes one or more of obtaining risk levels ofrelevant attributes, calculating the first asset risk level based on therisk levels of the relevant attributes, and comparing the first assetrisk level to the contingency risk threshold level. For example, theasset module 30 obtains the risk levels of the relevant attributes toinclude risks associated with the payer, the seller, the type of asset,parameters of the sale request, and status of the contingent asset(e.g., contingent versus noncontingent and lifecycle status). As afurther example, the asset module 30 maps the risk levels of therelevant attributes to the first asset risk level for comparison to thecontingency risk threshold level to determine that the first asset risklevel is greater than the contingency risk threshold level.

FIG. 5E further illustrates the example method of operation of thelisting of the contingent asset for sale where, having determinedwhether the first asset risk level is greater than the contingency riskthreshold level, in a fourth step, when the first asset risk level ofthe first asset of the first asset sale request is greater than thecontingency risk threshold level, the computing entity 21 establishes afirst contingent asset based on the first asset of the first asset salerequest. The establishing the first contingent asset includes a seriesof sub-steps.

A first sub-step includes generating a record for the first contingentasset to include the first asset ID, the seller ID, the payer ID, andseller desired pricing and or timing. A second sub-step includesdetermining pricing information based on risks and the seller desiredpricing. For example, the asset module 30 generates the pricinginformation based on one or more of a desired sale price from theseller, an estimated probability of payer approval, expected paymenttimeframe, and expected payment level, an expected rate of return eitheron the asset or on an annualized basis, recent bid prices for similarassets, and recent bid-ask spreads for pools of similar assets.

Having determined the pricing information, a third sub-step includesverifying the pricing information with the seller. For example, theasset module 30 receives a first contingent asset pricing approvalindicator 208 from the computing entity 20-1 to verify the pricinginformation with the seller.

A fourth sub-step includes updating the record for the first contingentasset to further include the pricing information. For example, the assetmodule 30 modifies the first contingent asset 206 within the contingentasset database 34 to include the updated record.

Having established the first contingent asset, a fifth step of theexample method of operation of listing of a contingent asset for saleincludes the computing entity 21 publishing availability of the firstcontingent asset to a plurality of other computing entities (e.g., to aplurality of potential buyers). The publishing includes one or more ofgenerating first contingent asset information 210 (e.g., an exchangelisting) utilizing the updated record, posting the listing on anexchange (e.g., storing the updated record in the contingent assetdatabase 34 and making that portion of the database available topotential buyers), and sending the first contingent asset information210 to at least some of the computing entities 23-1 through 23-N toreach buyers with the listing.

FIG. 5F illustrates the risk chart where the first contingent asset hasbeen established in step 4 of the example. The chart further illustratesavailability of the first contingent asset upon publishing in step 5 ofthe example.

FIG. 5G further illustrates the example method of operation of thelisting of the contingent asset for sale where, having publishedavailability of the first contingent asset, in a sixth step thecomputing entity 21 updates the first contingent asset to produce afirst non-contingent asset as illustrated on the risk chart of FIG. 5H,when the first asset risk level of the first contingent asset is lessthan the contingency risk threshold level providing desired certaintyfor parties associated with ownership of the first asset during thefirst asset lifecycle. The updating includes determining the first assetrisk level, comparing the first asset risk level to the contingency riskthreshold level, and updating the record associated with the firstcontingent asset to indicate the first non-contingent asset has beencreated.

The determining of the first asset risk level includes obtaining thestatus of the first asset. The obtaining includes one or more ofinterpreting a first asset status update 214 from the computing entity25-1 (e.g., indicating one of a payment approval status, approvalpending, or approval rejected), receipt has seen the risk informationassociated with the first asset including updating a probability thatthe payer will pay at the end of the asset lifecycle.

The updating of the record associated with the first contingent assetincludes one or more of changing a status from contingent tonon-contingent, determining an updated price (e.g., raising the pricewhen the asset is unsold and the payer has approved a subsequentpayout), and generating a first non-contingent asset 212 to include theupdated record. Alternatively, or in addition to, the asset module 30further publishes the updated record by sending the first non-contingentasset 212 to the computing entities 23-1 through 23-N when the firstasset has not been sold.

The method described above in conjunction with a processing module ofany computing entity of the computing system 10 can alternatively beperformed by other modules of the computing system 10 of FIG. 1 or byother devices. In addition, at least one memory section that isnon-transitory (e.g., a non-transitory computer readable storage medium,a non-transitory computer readable memory organized into a first memoryelement, a second memory element, a third memory element, a fourthelement section, a fifth memory element, a sixth memory element, etc.)that stores operational instructions can, when executed by one or moreprocessing modules of the one or more computing entities of thecomputing system 10, cause one or more computing devices of thecomputing system 10 to perform any or all of the method steps describedabove.

FIGS. 6A-6F are schematic block diagrams of another embodiment of acomputing system and a contingent asset risk chart illustrating anexample of updating a listing of a contingent asset for sale. Thecomputing system includes the computing entity 20-1 of FIG. 1 , thecomputing entity 21 of FIG. 1 , computing entities 23-1 through 23-N ofFIG. 1 , and the computing entity 25-1 of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 6A illustrates an example method of operation of the updating ofthe listing of the contingent asset for sale where a first step includesthe computing entity 21 determining to update a first availablecontingent asset 220 of a multitude of available contingent assets. Thefirst available contingent asset 220 assigns a potential first liabilityof a first payer to a first seller associated with the first availablecontingent asset. At least a portion of the potential first liability isto be paid by the first payer to the first seller in accordance withcontingency information 202 and subsequent to completion of a firstasset lifecycle, as illustrated in FIG. 6B, of the first availablecontingent asset.

The determining to update the first available contingent asset 220includes a variety of approaches. A first approach includes the assetmodule 30 detecting that an update time frame has elapsed. A secondapproach includes the asset module 30 interpreting a first asset statusupdate 214 from the computing entity 25-1 (e.g., from the payer). Athird approach includes the asset module 30 interpreting first availablecontingent asset pricing update information 222 from the computingentity 20-1 (e.g., from the seller). For instance, the seller requests alower asking price. As another instance, the seller requests more timeto sell the first asset.

A fourth approach includes the asset module 30 detecting that value haschanged on a pool of related assets. A fifth approach includes the assetmodule 30 determining that a price change for the first asset isrequired to hit a desired rate of return. A sixth approach includes theasset module 30 detecting that bids for the first asset are under theasking price by more than a maximum difference threshold level (e.g.,suggesting the first asset has been overpriced).

Having determined to update the first available contingent asset, asecond step of the example method of operation of the updating of thelisting of a contingent asset for sale includes the computing entity 21determining an updated valuation of the first available contingent assetas depicted at t2 on the risk chart of FIG. 6B. The determining includesthe asset module 30 reassessing the risk associated with the first assetand recalculating the value of the first available contingent assetbased on one or more of a new estimate of the probability of payerapproval, an updated expected payment, updated expected payment timing,an updated expected rate of return, recent bid prices for the firstasset, and recent bid-ask spreads for other pools of similar assets.

FIG. 6C further illustrates the example method of operation of theupdating of the listing of the contingent asset for sale where, havingdetermined the updated valuation of the first available contingentasset, the computing entity 21 updates the first available contingentasset to produce an updated first available contingent asset 226 basedon the updated valuation of the first available contingent asset. Forexample, the asset module 30 updates the record of the first availablecontingent asset to produce the updated first available contingent asset226 utilizing the updated valuation. Alternatively, or in addition to,the asset module 30 updates aspects of the contingency information 202as a function of the new valuation.

Having updated the first available contingent asset, a fourth step ofthe example method of operation of the updating of the listing of thecontingent asset for sale includes the computing entity 21 publishingavailability of the updated first available contingent asset 226 to aplurality of other computing entities 23-1 through 23-N (e.g., tobuyers) as illustrated in FIG. 6D. The publishing includes the assetmodule 30 performing one or more of generating an exchange listing,posting the exchange listing on an exchange, generating a record thatincludes updated first contingent asset information as updated firstavailable contingent asset information 228, sending the updated firstavailable contingent asset information 228 (e.g., the record of theupdated first contingent asset) to a plurality of other computingentities (e.g., to the computing entities 23-1 through 23-N).

FIG. 6E further illustrates the example method of operation of theupdating of the listing of the contingent asset for sale where, havingpublished the availability of the updated first available contingentasset, the computing entity 21 updates the updated first availablecontingent asset to produce a first non-contingent asset 212 when afirst asset risk level of the updated first available contingent assetis less than a contingency risk threshold level. The transitioning tothe non-contingent status provides desired certainty for partiesassociated with ownership of the first asset during and later portion offirst asset lifecycle as illustrated in FIG. 6F.

The updating of the updated first available contingent asset to producethe first non-contingent asset 212 by the computing entity 21 includes aseries of sub-steps. In a first sub-step the asset module 30 obtainsstatus of the first asset (e.g., interpret a first asset status update214 from the computing entity 25-1). In a second sub-step the assetmodule 30 reassesses risk information of the contingency information 202to produce an updated probability of the payer paying the payout at theend of the asset lifecycle even when the payer has approved the payment.A third sub-step includes the asset module 30 modifying status of therecord of the first asset to indicate the non-contingent status. Afourth sub- step includes the asset module 30 repricing the first assetwhen the first asset is still for sale (e.g., at least the portion ofthe first asset is still for sale during the asset lifecycle). A fifthsub-step includes the asset module 30 republishing the record for thefirst non-contingent asset 212 (e.g., to the computing entities 23-1through 23-N) when the first asset is still available for sale.

The method described above in conjunction with a processing module ofany computing entity of the computing system 10 can alternatively beperformed by other modules of the computing system 10 of FIG. 1 or byother devices. In addition, at least one memory section that isnon-transitory (e.g., a non-transitory computer readable storage medium,a non-transitory computer readable memory organized into a first memoryelement, a second memory element, a third memory element, a fourthelement section, a fifth memory element, a sixth memory element, etc.)that stores operational instructions can, when executed by one or moreprocessing modules of the one or more computing entities of thecomputing system 10, cause one or more computing devices of thecomputing system 10 to perform any or all of the method steps describedabove.

FIGS. 7A-7H are schematic block diagrams of another embodiment of acomputing system and a contingent asset risk chart illustrating anexample of executing a sale of a contingent asset to a buyer from aseller. The computing system includes the computing entity 20-1 of FIG.1 , the computing entity 21 of FIG. 1 , the computing entity 23-1 ofFIG. 1 , and the computing entity 25-1 of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 7A illustrates an example method of operation of the executing ofthe sale of the contingent asset to the buyer from the seller, where afirst step includes the computing entity 21 indicating availability of asubset of available contingent assets of a multitude of availablecontingent assets to the computing entity 23-1 at t1 of the risk chartfor the asset lifecycle in FIG. 7B, based on a desired asset profile ofthe computing entity 23-1. A first available contingent asset of thesubset of available contingent assets assigns a potential firstliability of a first payer to a first seller associated with the firstavailable contingent asset. At least a portion of the potential firstliability is to be paid by the first payer to the first seller inaccordance with contingency information and subsequent to completion ofa first asset lifecycle of the first available contingent asset.

The indicating availability of the subset of available contingent assetsincludes a series of sub steps. A first sub-step includes the assetmodule 30 identifying assets desired by the computing entity 23-1 (e.g.,the buyer) as the subset of available contingent assets. For example,the asset module 30 compares the desired asset profile of the computingentity 23-1 to assets of available contingent asset information 242 toselect those assets that substantially satisfy the desired assetprofile. A second sub-step includes the asset module 30 generatingsubset of available contingent asset information 240 utilizing theselected assets. A third sub-step includes the asset module 30 sendingthe subset of available contingent asset information 242 the computingentity 23-1. Alternatively, or in addition to, the asset module 30publishes the available contingent asset information 242 on an exchangeand/or sends the available contingent asset information 242 to othercomputing entities associated with even more buyers.

FIG. 7C further illustrates the example method of operation of theexecuting of the sale of the contingent asset to the buyer from theseller, where, having indicated the availability of the subset ofavailable contingent assets to the buyer computing entity, in a secondstep the computing entity 21 obtains a set of contingent asset purchaserequests 244 from the computing entity 23-1 (e.g., the buyer). The setof contingent asset purchase requests 244 includes a first contingentasset purchase request 246 with regards to a bid for the first availablecontingent asset. The set of contingent asset purchase requests aregenerated within a purchase timeframe as illustrated near t2 of thetimeline of the risk chart of the first asset lifecycle of FIG. 7D.

The first contingent asset purchase request 246 includes one or more ofthe identifier (ID) of the first asset, a buyer ID, a bid price for thefirst asset, a bid price range as a function of one or more conditions(e.g., higher and of the range when risk of the first asset is lower),and settlement information (e.g., an account to debit upon purchase, acredit instrument to utilize for payment, payment timing, etc.). Theconditions of the bid price range include risk, number of similar assetscurrently available for sale, number of similar assets currently held bythe buyer, number of similar assets associated with the payer that stillhave an active lifecycle, or any other condition that can reasonablyaffect pricing to create an efficient market.

The obtaining of the set of contingent asset purchase requests 244 bythe computing entity 21 includes a variety of approaches. A firstapproach includes the asset module 30 issuing a request for a bidmessage to the computing entity 23-1 (e.g., that includes an indicationthat assets of the subset of available contingent asset information 240includes assets that substantially satisfied the desired asset profileof the buyer of the computing entity 23-1). A second approach includesthe asset module 30 receiving the set of contingent asset purchaserequest 244 from the computing entity 23-1.

A third approach includes the asset module 30 determining an auto-orderoutcome based on the desired asset profile of the buyer computingentity. For example, the asset module 30 interprets the desired assetprofile to identify the assets to include in auto-generating thecontingent asset purchase request 244 on behalf of the buyer computingentity. A fourth approach includes the asset module receiving one ormore contingent asset purchase requests from one or more other computingentities.

FIG. 7E further illustrates the example method of operation of theexecuting of the sale of the contingent asset to the buyer from theseller, where, having obtained the set of contingent asset purchaserequests from the buyer computing entity, a third step includes thecomputing entity 21 determining whether to approve the first contingentasset purchase request based on at least some of the set of contingentasset purchase requests and a risk profile during the purchase timeframeafter t2 of the risk chart for the asset lifecycle of FIG. 7F. The assetmodule 30 determines whether to approve the first contingent assetpurchase requests based on one or more of face value of the first asset,a listed price by the seller, a minimum acceptable bid price set by theseller, a bid price from the buyer, a history of bid-ask spreads, otherbid acceptances of the set of contingent asset purchase requests, a riskprofile associated with the buyer, the risk level of the asset, anassessment to the impact of the buyer's portfolio, and an assessment ofthe impact to the available contingent assets.

As an example of the determining whether to approve the first contingentasset purchase request, the asset module 30 indicates approval when therisk level of the asset is below a maximum desired asset risk level, therisk profile associated with the buyer is below a buyer maximum riskthreshold level, and the bid price from the buyer is greater than theminimum acceptable bid price set by the seller. As another example, theasset module 30 indicates disapproval when the risk level of the buyeris greater than the buyer maximum risk threshold level. As yet anotherexample, the asset module indicates approval when the risk level of thebuyer is greater than the buyer maximum risk threshold level and the bidprice from the buyer is greater than the listed price by the seller bymore than a minimum difference bid-ask spread level.

When the first contingent asset purchase request is approved, a fourthstep of the example method of operation to execute the sale of acontingent asset includes the computing entity 21 obtaining payment forpurchase of the first available contingent asset from a first buyerassociated with the first contingent asset purchase request 246. Theobtaining of the payment for purchase includes a series of sub-steps. Afirst sub-step includes the asset module 30 determining an executionprice based on the approval. The determining includes one or more ofestablishing a base selling price at the bid price and making anadjustment associated with risk and/or transaction fees.

A second sub-step includes the asset module 30 issuing a request forpayment to the computing entity 23-1, where the request for paymentincludes the execution price. A third sub-step includes the asset module30 receiving purchase information 248 from the computing entity 23-1,where the purchase information 248 includes information to execute thesale including payment (e.g., including instructions such as immediatepayment and/or deducting payment from an account associated with thebuyer).

FIG. 7G further illustrates the example method of operation of theexecuting of the sale of the contingent asset to the buyer from theseller, where, having obtained the payment for the purchase of the firstavailable contingent asset 206, a fifth step includes the computingentity 21 facilitating seller payment utilizing the payment for purchaseof the first available contingent asset to complete the purchase asillustrated in the risk chart of the asset timeline of FIG. 7H. Thefacilitating includes the asset module 30 determining a seller paymentamount from the payment for purchase and based on the contingencyinformation 202 (e.g., recourse, fees, etc.). The facilitating furtherincludes the asset module 30 issuing a first available contingent assetpayment 250 to the computing entity 20-1 to satisfy payment to theseller. Alternatively, or in addition to, the asset module 30 updates aseller account with a credit for the seller payment amount.

Having facilitated the seller payment, a sixth step of the examplemethod of operation of the executing of the sale of a contingent assetto the buyer from the seller includes the computing entity 21reassigning the potential first liability of the first availablecontingent asset from the first seller to an entity associated with thefirst buyer of the first contingent asset purchase request. For example,the asset module 30 updates the first contingent asset 206 within thecontingent asset database 34 to associate an identifier of the buyerwith the first contingent asset 206. Alternatively, or in addition to, arisk level associated with the buyer is updated based on the buyer nowholding the first contingent asset 206.

The method described above in conjunction with a processing module ofany computing entity of the computing system 10 can alternatively beperformed by other modules of the computing system 10 of FIG. 1 or byother devices. In addition, at least one memory section that isnon-transitory (e.g., a non-transitory computer readable storage medium,a non-transitory computer readable memory organized into a first memoryelement, a second memory element, a third memory element, a fourthelement section, a fifth memory element, a sixth memory element, etc.)that stores operational instructions can, when executed by one or moreprocessing modules of the one or more computing entities of thecomputing system 10, cause one or more computing devices of thecomputing system 10 to perform any or all of the method steps describedabove.

FIGS. 8A-8D are schematic block diagrams of another embodiment of acomputing system and a contingent asset risk chart illustrating anexample of facilitating payment from a payer to a buyer for a contingentasset. The computing system includes the computing entity 20-1 of FIG. 1, the computing entity 21 of FIG. 1 , the computing entity 23-1 of FIG.1 , and the computing entity 25-1 of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 8A illustrates an example method of operation of the facilitatingpayment from the payer to the buyer for the contingent asset, where afirst step includes the computing entity 21 obtaining a lifecycle statusfor a first contingent asset 206 of a multitude of contingent assets.The first contingent asset 206 assigns a potential first liability of afirst payer to an owner entity associated with the first contingentasset 206. At least a portion of the potential first liability is to bepaid by the first payer to the owner entity in accordance withcontingency information and subsequent to completion of a first assetlifecycle of the first contingent asset 206. The lifecycle statusincludes pending approval, approval for payment (e.g., pending paymentat t7 of FIG. 8B), and rejected.

The obtaining of the lifecycle status for the first contingent asset 206includes a variety of approaches. A first approach includes the assetmodule 30 detecting a change in a risk level associated with the firstcontingent asset. A second approach includes the asset module 30detecting that a transition time frame has elapsed. A third approachincludes the asset module 30 receiving a request for an updated status.A fourth approach includes the asset module 30 issuing a status updateto the computing entity 25-1 (e.g., the payer). A fifth approachincludes the asset module 30 interpreting a first asset status update214 from the computing entity 25-1.

Having obtained the lifecycle status for the first contingent asset,when the lifecycle status of the first contingent asset has transitionedto pending payment, a second step of the example method of operation tofacilitate payment from the payer to the buyer of the contingent assetincludes the computing entity 21 obtaining a payout for the firstcontingent asset from the first payer in accordance with the contingencyinformation 202. The obtaining of the payout includes a series of sub-steps. A first sub-step includes the asset module 30 determining anexpected payout based on the contingency information 202 and payoutinformation of the first contingent asset 206. For example, the assetmodule 30 determines the expected payout to be a committed payout levelfrom the computing entity 25-1.

A second sub-step includes the asset module 30 issuing a payout requestto the computing entity 25-1 of the payer, where the payout requestincludes the expected payout. A third sub-step includes the asset module30 receiving a first contingent asset payout 260 from the computingentity 25-1. Alternatively, or in addition to, the first contingentasset payout 260 is included in a batch payment from the computingentity 25-1 for a multitude of asset payouts.

FIG. 8C further illustrates the example method of operation of thefacilitating payment from the payer to the buyer for the contingentasset, where, when the lifecycle status of the first contingent assethas transitioned to pending payment as illustrated at t7 in FIG. 8D, andhaving obtained the payout for the first contingent asset from the firstpayer, a third step includes the computing entity 21 determining apayoff for the owner entity based on the payout and the contingencyinformation 202. For example, when the payout is less than a face value,the asset module 30 calculates the payoff to be the payout minus anyfees (e.g., a transaction fee). As another example, when the payout isgreater than the face value, the asset module 30 calculates the payoffto be the payout minus the fees and further disposes of an overage(e.g., a difference between the payout and the face value) in accordancewith the contingency information 202 (e.g., transfer funds to an accountassociated with an exchange, credit the buyer for a portion of a futurepurchase, credit the seller for repurchase of a future sale).

Having determined the payoff for the owner entity, a fourth step of theexample method of operation of the facilitating payment from the payerto the buyer includes the computing entity 21 facilitating payment ofthe payoff to the owner entity. For example, the asset module 30generates a payment message 262 that includes payment information inaccordance with the first contingent asset payout 260. The asset module30 sends the payment message 262 to the computing entity 23-1 associatedwith the owner entity. Alternatively, or in addition to, the assetmodule 30 credits an account associated with the owner entity for theamount of the payoff.

The method described above in conjunction with a processing module ofany computing entity of the computing system 10 can alternatively beperformed by other modules of the computing system 10 of FIG. 1 or byother devices. In addition, at least one memory section that isnon-transitory (e.g., a non-transitory computer readable storage medium,a non-transitory computer readable memory organized into a first memoryelement, a second memory element, a third memory element, a fourthelement section, a fifth memory element, a sixth memory element, etc.)that stores operational instructions can, when executed by one or moreprocessing modules of the one or more computing entities of thecomputing system 10, cause one or more computing devices of thecomputing system 10 to perform any or all of the method steps describedabove.

FIG. 9A is a schematic block diagram of a data structure for a smartcontract 700 that includes object information 702 and. The objectinformation 702 includes object basics (e.g., including links toblockchains and electronic assets), available purchase and/or licenseterms, and available patent terms. FIG. 9A illustrates examples of eachcategory of the object information 702. Examples of an object of theobject information 702 that are associated with contingent assetofferings include an object set identifier (e.g., of one or morecontingent assets), a face value of a contingent asset, and expectedpayment timeframe of the contingent asset and further parametersassociated with contingent assets as illustrated in FIG. 9A.

The license terms 704 includes owner information and agreed terms for asale of a contingent asset associated with the smart contract. FIG. 9Afurther illustrates examples of each of the categories of the licenseterms 704. Further examples are referenced below.

FIGS. 9B and 9C are schematic block diagrams of organization of objectdistributed ledgers. FIG. 9B illustrates an example where a singleblockchain serves as the object distributed ledger linking a series ofblocks of the blockchain, where each block is associated with adifferent owner (e.g., different owners over time for a particularcontingent asset represented by a nonfungible token). FIG. 9Cillustrates another example where a first blockchain links a series ofblocks of different non-fungible tokens for different sets of contingentassets. Each block forms a blockchain of its own where each furtherblock (e.g., to the right) of its own is associated with a differentowner over time for the set of contingent asset objects associated withthe non-fungible token.

FIG. 9D is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of contentblockchain of an object distributed ledger, where the content includesthe smart contract as previously discussed. The content blockchainincludes a plurality of blocks 2-4. Each block includes a header sectionand a transaction section. The header section includes one or more of anonce, a hash of a preceding block of the blockchain, where thepreceding block was under control of a preceding device (e.g., a brokercomputing device, a user computing device, a blockchain node computingdevice, etc.) in a chain of control of the blockchain, and a hash of acurrent block (e.g., a current transaction section), where the currentblock is under control of a current device in the chain of control ofthe blockchain.

The transaction section includes one or more of a public key of thecurrent device, a signature of the preceding device, smart contractcontent, change of control from the preceding device to the currentdevice, and content information from the previous block as received bythe previous device plus content added by the previous device whentransferring the current block to the current device.

FIG. 9D further includes devices 2-3 to facilitate illustration ofgeneration of the blockchain. Each device includes a hash function, asignature function, and storage for a public/private key pair generatedby the device.

An example of operation of the generating of the blockchain, when thedevice 2 has control of the blockchain and is passing control of theblockchain to the device 3 (e.g., the device 3 is transacting a transferof content from device 2), the device 2 obtains the device 3 public keyfrom device 3, performs a hash function 2 over the device 3 public keyand the transaction 2 to produce a hashing resultant (e.g., precedingtransaction to device 2) and performs a signature function 2 over thehashing resultant utilizing a device 2 private key to produce a device 2signature.

Having produced the device 2 signature, the device 2 generates thetransaction 3 to include the device 3 public key, the device 2signature, device 3 content request to 2 information, and the previouscontent plus content from device 2. The device 3 content request todevice 2 information includes one or more of a detailed content request,a query request, background content, and specific instructions fromdevice 3 to device 2 for access to a patent license. The previouscontent plus content from device 2 includes one or more of content froman original source, content from any subsequent source after theoriginal source, an identifier of a source of content, a serial numberof the content, an expiration date of the content, content utilizationrules, and results of previous blockchain validations.

Having produced the transaction 3 section of the block 3 a processingmodule (e.g., of the device 2, of the device 3, of a transaction miningserver, of another server), generates the header section by performing ahashing function over the transaction section 3 to produce a transaction3 hash, performing the hashing function over the preceding block (e.g.,block 2) to produce a block 2 hash. The performing of the hashingfunction may include generating a nonce such that when performing thehashing function to include the nonce of the header section, a desiredcharacteristic of the resulting hash is achieved (e.g., a desired numberof preceding zeros is produced in the resulting hash).

Having produced the block 3, the device 2 sends the block 3 to thedevice 3, where the device 3 initiates control of the blockchain. Havingreceived the block 3, the device 3 validates the received block 3. Thevalidating includes one or more of verifying the device 2 signature overthe preceding transaction section (e.g., transaction 2) and the device 3public key utilizing the device 2 public key (e.g., a re-createdsignature function result compares favorably to device 2 signature) andverifying that an extracted device 3 public key of the transaction 3compares favorably to the device 3 public key held by the device 3. Thedevice 3 considers the received block 3 validated when the verificationsare favorable (e.g., the authenticity of the associated content istrusted).

FIGS. 9E-9M are schematic block diagrams of another embodiment of acomputing system, contingent asset risk charts, and a blockchain recordillustrating an example of listing a contingent asset for sale utilizingan object distributed ledger. The computing system includes thecomputing entity 20-1 of FIG. 1 , the computing entity 21 of FIG. 1 ,computing entities 23-1 through 23-N of FIG. 1 , and the computingentity 25-1 of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 9E illustrates an example method of operation of the listing of thecontingent asset for sale utilizing the blockchain record where in afirst step the asset module 30 obtains a set of asset sale requests200-1 through 200-N from the computing entity 20-1 as depicted prior tot 3 on the risk vs. time chart of FIG. 9F. A first asset of a firstasset sale request of the set of asset sale requests assigns a facevalue level of a potential first liability of a first payer to a firstseller associated with the first asset. At least a portion of the facevalue of the potential first liability is to be paid by the first payerto the first seller in accordance with contingency information andsubsequent to completion of a first asset lifecycle of the first asset.The set of asset sale requests are generated within a sales timeframe.

The computing entity 21 obtains the asset sale request 200-1 associatedwith the first asset by at least one of identifying desired assetsassociated with the computing entity 20-1 (e.g., identify what a sellerassociated with the computing entity 20-1 should offer for sale),requesting that the computing entity 20-1 issue the sale request, andreceiving the sale request from the computing entity 20-1.Alternatively, or in addition to, the asset sale request 200-1 includesa blockchain record associated with the first asset. In an embodimentthe computing entity 20-1 is associated with a third party representingone or more sellers.

The first step further includes the computing entity 21 interpreting aset of digital records representing a multitude of contingent assets toproduce a set of contingent asset sale requests. A first contingentasset of a first contingent asset sale request of the set of contingentasset sale requests assigns a potential first liability of a first payerto a first seller associated with the first contingent asset. Forexample, the asset module 30 interprets the digital record of asset salerequest 200-1 to produce the first contingent asset sale request for thefirst contingent asset. The asset module 30 stores the asset salerequests in the contingent asset database 34.

Figure page further illustrates the example method of operation of thelisting of the contingent asset for sale utilizing the blockchain recordwhere, having produced the set of contingent asset sale requests, in asecond step the computing entity 21 interpreting a first authenticityindicator 204 associated with the first contingent asset sale request toproduce a first contingent asset risk level of the first contingentasset of the first contingent asset sale request. The interpreting ofthe first authenticity indicator 204 associated with the firstcontingent asset sale request to produce the first contingent asset risklevel of the first contingent asset of the first contingent asset salerequest includes a series of sub-steps.

A first sub-step includes identifying an asset authenticity computingentity based on an identifier of the first seller. For example, theasset module 30 interprets the asset sale request 200-1 to extract anidentifier of the asset authenticity computing entity as computingentity 25-1.

A second sub-step includes obtaining authenticity information from theasset authenticity computing entity for the first contingent asset. Forexample, the asset module 30 issues a request for the authenticityinformation for the first contingent asset to the computing entity 25-1and receives a response from the computing entity 25-1 that includes thefirst authenticity indicator 204.

A third sub-step includes the computing entity 21 indicating that thefirst contingent asset is valid when the authenticity informationvalidates that the potential first liability of the first payer is tothe first seller associated with the first contingent asset and that thefirst payer has not disapproved payment of the potential firstliability. For example, the asset module 30 interprets the firstauthenticity indicator 204 to determine a status of the first contingentasset where the status indicates that the potential first liability ofthe asset sale request 200-1 is confirmed as associated with the firstpayer. The asset module 30 further interprets the first authenticityindicator 204 to determine that the status indicates that the potentialfirst liability of the first payer is to be made to the first seller ofthe asset sale request 200-1. The asset module 30 further interprets thefirst authenticity indicator 204 to determine that the status indicatesthat the first payer has not disapproved payment of the potential firstliability (e.g., status is either approved or pending approval but notdenied).

When the first contingent asset is valid and the authenticityinformation indicates approval of the payment of the potential firstliability by the first payer, a fourth sub-step includes the computingentity 21 establishing the first contingent asset risk level to be lessthan the contingency risk threshold level. For example, the asset module30 updates contingency information 202 in the contingent asset database34 to indicate that the first contingent asset risk level is less thanthe contingency risk threshold level since the first payer has approvedthe payment.

Alternatively, when the first contingent asset is valid and theauthenticity information indicates pending approval of the payment ofthe potential first liability by the first payer, a fifth sub-stepincludes the computing entity 21 establishing the first contingent assetrisk level to be greater than the contingency risk threshold level sincethe first payer has not yet approved the payment implying that it ispossible that payment will never be made.

Having produced the first contingent asset risk level, a third step ofthe example method of operation includes the computing entity 21determines whether the first contingent asset risk level of the firstcontingent asset is greater than the contingency risk threshold level asillustrated in FIG. 9H. In an embodiment, the computing entity 21updates the first contingent asset risk level as interpreted from thefirst authenticity indicator 204 by obtaining risk levels of relevantattributes, recalculating the first contingent asset risk level based onthe risk levels of the relevant attributes, and comparing the firstcontingent asset risk level to the contingency risk threshold level. Forexample, the asset module 30 obtains the risk levels of the relevantattributes to include risks associated with the payer, the seller, thetype of contingent asset, parameters of the sale request, and status ofthe first contingent asset (e.g., contingent versus noncontingent andlifecycle status). As a further example, the asset module 30 maps therisk levels of the relevant attributes to the first contingent assetrisk level for comparison to the contingency risk threshold level todetermine that the first contingent asset risk level is greater than thecontingency risk threshold level. As yet another example, the assetmodule 30 indicates that the first contingent asset risk level isgreater than the contingency risk threshold level when a blockchainrecord of the first asset (e.g., as received in the asset sale request200-1 and/or the first authenticity indicator 204) indicates that thepayer has not approved the potential liability yet.

When the first contingent asset risk level of the first contingent assetof the first contingent asset sale request is greater than a contingencyrisk threshold level, the third step of the example method of operationfurther includes the computing entity 21 establishing first availableterms for the first contingent asset based on the first contingent assetsale request. The establishing the first available terms for the firstcontingent asset based on the first contingent asset sale requestincludes a series of sub-steps.

A first sub-step includes determining proposed pricing of the firstcontingent asset based on one or more of a desired sale price from thefirst seller, an estimated probability of first payer approval, anexpected payment timeframe, an expected payment level, an expected rateof return for the first seller, recent bid prices for other contingentassets, and recent bid-ask spreads for the other contingent assets. Forexample, the asset module 30 determines the proposed pricing of thefirst contingent asset as the same as the desired sale price from thefirst seller as indicated in the asset sale request 200-1.

A second sub-step includes determining whether the proposed pricing isacceptable to the first seller. For example, the asset module 30 issuesa query to the computing entity 20-1 and receives a query responseindicating whether the proposed pricing is acceptable to the firstseller. As another example, the asset module 30 recovers acceptablepricing range information for the first seller from the contingencyinformation 202 and indicates whether the proposed pricing is acceptableto the first seller based on interpreting the acceptable pricing rangeinformation.

A third sub-step includes establishing the first available license termsto include the proposed pricing of the first contingent asset when theproposed pricing is acceptable to the first seller. For example, theasset module 30 updates the contingency information 202 for the firstcontingent asset to include the proposed pricing as approved by thefirst seller.

FIG. 9I further illustrates the example method of operation of thelisting of the contingent asset for sale utilizing the blockchain recordwhere, having established the first available terms for the firstcontingent asset, a fourth step includes the computing entity 21generating a first smart contract to indicate availability of the firstcontingent asset to include the first available terms and a contingentstatus. For example, the asset module 30 generates the smart contract700 as discussed previously to include an indication of availability ofthe first contingent asset, the first available terms, and a statusindicator indicating that the payment by the first payer is stillcontingent (e.g., not approved yet).

Having generated the first smart contract, a fifth step of the examplemethod of operation includes the computing entity 21 causing generationof a non-fungible token to represent the first smart contract in theobject distributed ledger as illustrated in a publishing step along thelifecycle in FIG. 9J. The causing the generation of the non-fungibletoken associated with the first smart contract in the object distributedledger includes determining whether to indirectly or directly update theobject distributed ledger. For example, the computing entity 21determines to indirectly update the object distributed ledger when thecomputing entity 21 does not have a satisfactory direct access to theobject distributed ledger (e.g., the computing entity 21 does not serveas a blockchain node). As another example, the computing entity 21determines to directly update the object distributed ledger when apredetermination stored in the contingent asset database 34 indicates todirectly access the object distributed ledger when possible (e.g., acopy of the blockchain is stored in the contingent asset database 34 ofthe computing entity 21).

When indirectly updating the object distributed ledger, the causing thegeneration includes the computing entity 21 issuing a non-fungible tokengeneration request to an object ledger computing device serving as ablockchain node of the object distributed ledger. The non-fungible tokengeneration request includes the first smart contract. For example, thecomputing entity 21 issues a first contingent asset blockchain record300 to the computing entity 23-1, where the contingent asset blockchainrecord 300 includes the request and the first smart contract. Inresponse, the computing entity 23-1 adds a new non-fungible tokenlisting to the object distributed ledger (e.g., as illustrated by FIGS.9B and 9C).

When directly updating the object distributed ledger, the causing thegeneration includes the computing entity 21 performing a series ofsub-steps previously discussed in FIG. 9D and as also discussed in FIG.9K. A first sub-step includes obtaining a copy of the object distributedledger. For example, the computing entity 21 extracts the objectdistributed ledger from a message from computing entity 23-1. As anotherexample, the computing entity 21 recovers the object distributed ledgerfrom the contingent asset database 34.

A second sub-step includes hashing the first smart contract utilizing areceiving public key of the object distributed ledger to produce a nexttransaction hash value. For example, the computing entity 21 obtains asuitable receiving public key (e.g., from a current version of theblockchain, from a blockchain node, from the computing entity 23-1) andperforms the hashing function to produce the next transaction hashvalue.

A third sub-step includes encrypting the next transaction hash valueutilizing a private key of the computing entity 21 to produce a nexttransaction signature. For example, the computing entity 21 recovers aprivate key associated with the computing entity 21 and utilizes therecovered private key to encrypt the next transaction hash value toproduce the next transaction signature.

A fourth sub-step includes generating a next block of a blockchain ofthe object distributed ledger to include the first smart contract andthe next transaction signature. For example, the computing entity 21generates the next block as previously discussed with regards to FIG. 9Dto include the first smart contract and the next transaction signature.

A fifth sub-step includes causing inclusion of the next block as thenon-fungible token in the object distributed ledger. For example, thecomputing entity 21 appends the next block of the blockchain in theobject distributed ledger as previously discussed with reference to FIG.9D to update the object distributed ledger as illustrated in FIGS. 9Band 9C.

Alternatively, when the first contingent asset risk level of the firstcontingent asset of the first contingent asset sale request is less thanthe contingency risk threshold level, the example method of operationincludes the computing entity 21 establishing the first available termsfor the first contingent asset based on the first contingent asset salerequest. The example method of operation further includes the computingentity 21 generating first smart contract to indicate the availabilityof the first contingent asset to include the first available terms and anon-contingent status (e.g., the first payer has approved the payment).The example method of operation further includes the computing entity 21causing generation of the non-fungible token to represent the firstsmart contract in the object distributed ledger as previously discussed.

FIG. 9K illustrates an example of generating a contingent assetblockchain record (e.g., for the first contingent asset blockchainrecord 300) where, blockchain-encoded records are utilized to securelyrepresent contingent assets through the contingent asset lifecycle ofFIG. 5B. In particular, a blockchain of blockchain-encoded records isutilized to record transactions and updates associated with a particularcontingent asset. For instance, a new blockchain is created when acontingent asset is created by an associated computing entity on behalfof an initial owner. As another instance, the blockchain is updated whenthe contingent asset is sold by the original owner to a buyer. As yetanother instance, the blockchain is updated when the contingent asset issold by the buyer to another buyer. As a still further instance, theblockchain is updated when a liability of the contingent asset is paidby a payer to a current owner.

Each block of the blockchain includes various fields associated with theblockchain and a transaction field that includes content associated withthe corresponding contingent asset as previously discussed. The contentincludes anything related to the contingent asset including contingencyinformation and transaction information associated with a current eventprompting updating of the blockchain.

The example blockchain includes blocks 2-4. Each block includes a headersection and a transaction section. The header section includes one ormore of a nonce, a hash of a preceding block of the blockchain, wherethe preceding block was under control of a preceding computing device(e.g., a computing device of a seller) in a chain of control of theblockchain, and a hash of a current block (e.g., a current transactionsection). The current block is under control of a current computingdevice in the chain of control of the blockchain.

The transaction section includes one or more of a public key of thecurrent computing device, a signature of the preceding computing device,request information regarding a record request and change of controlfrom the preceding computing device to the current computing device, andcontent information from the previous block as received by the previouscomputing device plus content added by the previous computing devicewhen transferring the current block to the current computing device.

The example further includes computing devices 2-3 (e.g., devices #2 and#3) to facilitate illustration of generation of the blockchain. Eachcomputing device includes a hash function, a signature function, andstorage for a public/private key pair generated by the device.

In an example of operation of the generating of the blockchain, when thedevice 2 has control of the blockchain and is passing control of theblockchain to the device 3 (e.g., the device 3 is transacting a transferof content from device 2), the device 2 obtains the device 3 public keyfrom device 3, performs a hash function 2 over the device 3 public keyand the transaction 2 to produce a hashing resultant (e.g., precedingtransaction to device 2) and performs a signature function 2 over thehashing resultant utilizing a device 2 private key to produce a device 2signature.

Having produced the device 2 signature, the device 2 generates thetransaction 3 to include the device 3 public key, the device 2signature, device 3 record request to device 2 information, and theprevious content plus content from device 2. The device 3 record requestto device 2 information includes one or more of the actual recordrequest, a query request, background content, and routing instructionsfrom device 3 to device 2 for access to the content. The previouscontent plus content from device 2 includes one or more of content froman original source, content from any subsequent source after theoriginal source, an identifier of a source of content, a serial numberof the content, an expiration date of the content, content utilizationrules, and results of previous blockchain validations.

Having produced the transaction 3 section of the block 3 a processingmodule (e.g., of the device 2, of the device 3, of a transaction miningcomputing entity, of a computing device), generates the header sectionby performing a hashing function over the transaction section 3 toproduce a transaction 3 hash, performing the hashing function over thepreceding block (e.g., block 2) to produce a block 2 hash. Theperforming of the hashing function may include generating a nonce suchthat when performing the hashing function to include the nonce of theheader section, a desired characteristic of the resulting hash isachieved (e.g., a desired number of zero's).

Having produced the block 3, the device 2 sends the block 3 to thedevice 3, where the device 3 initiates control of the blockchain. Havingreceived the block 3, the device 3 validates the received block 3. Thevalidating includes one or more of verifying the device 2 signature overthe preceding transaction section (e.g., transaction 2) and the device 3public key utilizing the device 2 public key (e.g., a re-createdsignature function result compares favorably to device 2 signature) andverifying that an extracted device 3 public key of the transaction 3compares favorably to the device 3 public key held by the device 3. Thedevice 3 considers the received block 3 validated when the verificationsare favorable (e.g., the authenticity of the associated content istrusted). For instance, the device considers the records intact, valid,and usable to facilitate listing, selling, buying, and paying off thecontingent asset of the contingent asset blockchain record.

FIG. 9L further illustrates the example method of operation of thelisting of the contingent asset for sale utilizing the blockchain recordwhere, having published availability of the first contingent assetutilizing the first contingent asset blockchain encoded record and anonfungible token, and when subsequent to the generation of thenon-fungible token that represents the first smart contract in theobject distributed ledger, a sixth step includes the computing entity21, when the first contingent asset risk level of the first contingentasset of the first contingent asset sale request is less than thecontingency risk threshold level (e.g., the first payer approvespayment), establishing updated first available terms for the firstcontingent asset based on the first contingent asset risk level. Forexample, the asset module 30 redetermines the first contingent assetrisk level and establishes repricing information for the smart contract(e.g., a higher price since the risk is lower from the paymentapproval).

The re-determining of the first contingent asset risk level includes oneor more of interpreting a first asset status update 214 from thecomputing entity 25-1 (e.g., indicating one of a payment approvalstatus, approval pending, or approval rejected), reassess the riskinformation associated with the first asset including updating aprobability that the payer will pay at the end of the asset lifecycle,and interpreting risk information of the content of the blockchainrecord. In an embodiment, the first asset status update 214 includes astatus blockchain. The asset module 30 indicates the first contingentasset risk level to be less than the contingency risk threshold levelwhen the status blockchain from the first asset status update 214indicates that the payer has approved the potential liability of thefirst asset when the status blockchain has been verified as previouslydiscussed. The new lowered risk level along the lifecycle is indicatedin FIG. 9M.

The sixth step further includes the computing entity 21 generating anupdated first smart contract to indicate the availability of the firstcontingent asset to include the updated first available terms and anon-contingent status (e.g., to include the re-pricing information). Thesixth step further includes the computing entity 21 causing modificationof the non-fungible token to represent the updated first smart contractin the object distributed ledger and/or updating of the blockchainrecord.

The updating of the blockchain record associated with the firstcontingent asset includes one or more of changing a status fromcontingent to non-contingent, determining an updated price (e.g.,raising the price when the asset is unsold and the payer has approved asubsequent payout), and generating the first noncontingent assetblockchain record 302 to include the updated record. Alternatively, orin addition to, the asset module 30 further publishes the updated recordby sending the first noncontingent asset blockchain record 302 to thecomputing entities 23-1 through 23-N when the first asset has not beensold and the computing entities 23-1 through 23-N are associated withpotential buyers of the first contingent asset.

The method described above in conjunction with a processing module ofany computing entity of the computing system 10 can alternatively beperformed by other modules of the computing system 10 of FIG. 1 or byother devices. In addition, at least one memory section that isnon-transitory (e.g., a non-transitory computer readable storage medium,a non-transitory computer readable memory organized into a first memoryelement, a second memory element, a third memory element, a fourthelement section, a fifth memory element, a sixth memory element, etc.)that stores operational instructions can, when executed by one or moreprocessing modules of the one or more computing entities of thecomputing system 10, cause one or more computing devices of thecomputing system 10 to perform any or all of the method steps describedabove.

FIGS. 10A-10F are schematic block diagrams of another embodiment of acomputing system and a contingent asset risk chart illustrating anexample of updating a listing for a contingent asset for sale utilizinga blockchain record. The computing system includes the computing entity20-1 of FIG. 1 , the computing entity 21 of FIG. 1 , computing entities23-1 through 23-N of FIG. 1 , and the computing entity 25-1 of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 10A illustrates an example method of operation of the updating ofthe listing of the contingent asset for sale utilizing the blockchainrecord where a first step includes the computing entity 21 determiningto update a first available contingent asset blockchain encoded record320 representing the first available contingent asset of a multitude ofavailable contingent assets. The first available contingent assetassigns a potential first liability of a first payer to a first sellerassociated with the first available contingent asset. At least a portionof the potential first liability is to be paid by the first payer to thefirst seller in accordance with contingency information 202 andsubsequent to completion of a first asset lifecycle, as illustrated inFIG. 10B, of the first available contingent asset.

The determining to update the first available contingent assetblockchain encoded record includes a variety of approaches. A firstapproach includes the asset module 30 detecting that an update timeframe has elapsed. A second approach includes the asset module 30interpreting a first asset status update 214 from the computing entity25-1 (e.g., from the payer). In an embodiment, the first asset statusupdate to 14 includes a status blockchain. A third approach includes theasset module 30 interpreting first available contingent asset pricingupdate information 222 from the computing entity 20-1 (e.g., from theseller). For instance, the seller requests a higher asking price andmore time to sell the first asset.

A fourth approach includes the asset module 30 detecting that value haschanged on a pool of related assets. A fifth approach includes the assetmodule 30 determining that a price change for the first asset isrequired to hit a desired rate of return. A sixth approach includes theasset module 30 detecting that bids for the first asset are over theasking price by more than a maximum overage threshold level (e.g.,suggesting the first asset has been underpriced).

Having determined to update the first available contingent assetblockchain encoded record, a second step of the example method ofoperation of the updating of the listing of a contingent asset for saleutilizing the blockchain record includes the computing entity 21determining an updated valuation of the first available contingent assetas depicted at t2 on the risk chart of FIG. 10B to produce an updatedfirst available contingent asset. The determining includes the assetmodule 30 reassessing the risk associated with the first asset andrecalculating the value of the first available contingent asset based onone or more of a new estimate of the probability of payer approval, anupdated expected payment, updated expected payment timing, an updatedexpected rate of return, recent bid prices for the first asset, andrecent bid-ask spreads for other pools of similar assets.

FIG. 10C further illustrates the example method of operation of theupdating of the listing of the contingent asset for sale utilizing theblockchain record where, having determined the updated valuation of thefirst available contingent asset, the computing entity 21 updates thefirst available contingent asset to produce an updated first availablecontingent asset blockchain record 322 based on the updated valuation ofthe first available contingent asset. For example, the asset module 30updates the blockchain record, as discussed with reference to FIG. 9K,of the first available contingent asset to produce the updated firstavailable contingent asset blockchain record 322 utilizing the updatedvaluation. Alternatively, or in addition to, the asset module 30 updatesaspects of the contingency information 202 as a function of the updatedvaluation.

Having updated the first available contingent asset blockchain encodedrecord, a fourth step of the example method of operation of the updatingof the listing of the contingent asset for sale utilizing the blockchainrecord includes the computing entity 21 publishing availability of theupdated first available contingent asset to a plurality of othercomputing entities 23-1 through 23-N (e.g., to buyers) as illustrated inFIG. 10D utilizing the updated first available contingent assetblockchain record 322. The publishing includes the asset module 30performing one or more of generating an exchange listing utilizing thatincludes the updated first available contingent asset blockchain record322, posting the exchange listing on an exchange, and sending theupdated first available contingent asset blockchain record 322 to aplurality of other computing entities (e.g., to the computing entities23-1 through 23-N).

FIG. 10E further illustrates the example method of operation of theupdating of the listing of the contingent asset for sale utilizing theblockchain record where, having published the availability of theupdated first available contingent asset, the computing entity 21updates the updated first available contingent asset blockchain recordto produce a first non-contingent asset blockchain record 324 when afirst asset risk level of the updated first available contingent assetis less than a contingency risk threshold level. The transitioning tothe non-contingent status provides desired certainty for partiesassociated with ownership of the first asset during and later portion offirst asset lifecycle as illustrated in FIG. 10F.

The updating of the updated first available contingent asset to producethe first non-contingent asset blockchain record 324 by the computingentity 21 includes a series of sub-steps. In a first sub-step the assetmodule 30 obtains status of the first asset (e.g., interpret a firstasset status update 214 from the computing entity 25-1). In a secondsub-step the asset module 30 reassesses risk information of thecontingency information 202 to produce an updated probability of thepayer paying the payout at the end of the asset lifecycle even when thepayer has approved the payment. A third sub-step includes the assetmodule 30 modifying status of the blockchain record, as discussed withreference to FIG. 9K, of the first asset to indicate the non-contingentstatus. A fourth sub- step includes the asset module 30 repricing thefirst asset when the first asset is still for sale (e.g., at least theportion of the first asset is still for sale during the assetlifecycle). A fifth sub-step includes the asset module 30 publishing afirst noncontingent asset blockchain record 302 (e.g., to the computingentities 23-1 through 23-N) when the first asset is still available forsale.

The method described above in conjunction with a processing module ofany computing entity of the computing system 10 can alternatively beperformed by other modules of the computing system 10 of FIG. 1 or byother devices. In addition, at least one memory section that isnon-transitory (e.g., a non-transitory computer readable storage medium,a non-transitory computer readable memory organized into a first memoryelement, a second memory element, a third memory element, a fourthelement section, a fifth memory element, a sixth memory element, etc.)that stores operational instructions can, when executed by one or moreprocessing modules of the one or more computing entities of thecomputing system 10, cause one or more computing devices of thecomputing system 10 to perform any or all of the method steps describedabove.

FIGS. 11A-11H are schematic block diagrams of another embodiment of acomputing system and a contingent asset risk chart illustrating anexample of executing a sale of a contingent asset to a buyer from aseller utilizing a blockchain record. The computing system includes thecomputing entity 20-1 of FIG. 1 , the computing entity 21 of FIG. 1 ,computing entities 23-1 through 23-N of FIG. 1 , and the computingentity 25-1 of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 11A illustrates an example method of operation of the executing ofthe sale of the contingent asset to the buyer from the seller utilizingthe blockchain record, where a first step includes the computing entity21 indicating availability of a subset of available contingent assets ofa multitude of available contingent assets to the computing entity 23-1at t1 of the risk chart for the asset lifecycle in FIG. 11B, based on adesired asset profile of the computing entity 23-1 and utilizing asubset of available contingent asset blockchain encoded records thatrepresent the subset of available contingent assets. A first availablecontingent asset of the subset of available contingent assets assigns apotential first liability of a first payer to a first seller associatedwith the first available contingent asset. At least a portion of thepotential first liability is to be paid by the first payer to the firstseller in accordance with contingency information and subsequent tocompletion of a first asset lifecycle of the first available contingentasset.

The indicating availability of the subset of available contingent assetsincludes a series of sub steps. A first sub-step includes the assetmodule 30 identifying assets desired by the computing entity 23-1 (e.g.,the buyer) as the subset of available contingent assets. For example,the asset module 30 compares the desired asset profile of the computingentity 23-1 to assets of available contingent asset information 242 toselect those assets that substantially satisfy the desired assetprofile. A second sub-step includes the asset module 30 generatingavailable contingent asset blockchain records 330 utilizing the selectedassets (e.g., recovering individual blockchain records for each of thesubset of available contingent assets from the contingent asset database34). A third sub-step includes the asset module 30 sending the availablecontingent asset blockchain records 330 to the computing entity 23-1.Alternatively, or in addition to, the asset module 30 publishes theavailable contingent asset blockchain records 330 on an exchange and/orsends the available contingent asset blockchain records 330 to othercomputing entities associated with even more buyers.

FIG. 11C further illustrates the example method of operation of theexecuting of the sale of the contingent asset to the buyer from theseller utilizing the blockchain record, where, having indicated theavailability of the subset of available contingent assets using theavailable contingent asset blockchain records 330 to the buyer computingentity, in a second step the computing entity 21 obtains a set ofcontingent asset purchase requests 244 from the computing entity 23-1(e.g., the buyer). The set of contingent asset purchase requests 244includes a first contingent asset purchase request 246 with regards to abid for the first available contingent asset. The set of contingentasset purchase requests are generated within a purchase timeframe asillustrated near t2 of the timeline of the risk chart of the first assetlifecycle of FIG. 11D.

The first contingent asset purchase request 246 includes one or more ofthe identifier (ID) of the first asset, an identifier for acorresponding blockchain record, a buyer ID, a bid price for the firstasset, a bid price range as a function of one or more conditions (e.g.,higher and of the range when risk of the first asset is lower), andsettlement information (e.g., an account to debit upon purchase, acredit instrument to utilize for payment, payment timing, etc.). In anembodiment, the contingent asset purchase request 244 includes modifiedblockchain records for corresponding contingent assets (e.g., to includepurchase request content). The conditions of the bid price range includerisk, a blockchain record verification requirement (e.g., bid only validwhen a corresponding blockchain record can be verified), number ofsimilar assets currently available for sale, number of similar assetscurrently held by the buyer, number of similar assets associated withthe payer that still have an active lifecycle, or any other conditionthat can reasonably affect pricing to create an efficient market.

The obtaining of the set of contingent asset purchase requests 244 bythe computing entity 21 includes a variety of approaches. A firstapproach includes the asset module 30 issuing a request for a bidmessage to the computing entity 23-1 (e.g., that includes an indicationthat assets of the subset of available contingent asset includes assetsthat substantially satisfies the desired asset profile of the buyer ofthe computing entity 23-1). A second approach includes the asset module30 receiving the set of contingent asset purchase request 244 from thecomputing entity 23-1.

A third approach includes the asset module 30 determining an auto-orderoutcome based on the desired asset profile of the buyer computingentity. For example, the asset module 30 interprets the desired assetprofile to identify the assets to include in auto-generating thecontingent asset purchase requests 244 on behalf of the buyer computingentity. A fourth approach includes the asset module receiving one ormore contingent asset purchase requests from one or more other computingentities.

FIG. 11E further illustrates the example method of operation of theexecuting of the sale of the contingent asset to the buyer from theseller utilizing the blockchain record, where, having obtained the setof contingent asset purchase requests from the buyer computing entity, athird step includes the computing entity 21 determining whether toapprove the first contingent asset purchase request 246 based on atleast some of the set of contingent asset purchase requests and a riskprofile during the purchase timeframe after t2 of the risk chart for theasset lifecycle of FIG. 11F. The asset module 30 determines whether toapprove the first contingent asset purchase request 246 based on one ormore of verification of a blockchain record associated with the firstcontingent asset purchase request, face value of the first asset, alisted price by the seller, a minimum acceptable bid price set by theseller, and a bid price from the buyer, a history of bid-ask spreads.The approval determination is further based on one or more of other bidacceptances of the set of contingent asset purchase requests, a riskprofile associated with the buyer, the risk level of the asset, anassessment to the impact of the buyer's portfolio, and an assessment ofthe impact to the available contingent assets.

As an example of the determining whether to approve the first contingentasset purchase request 246, the asset module 30 indicates approval whenthe risk level of the asset is below a maximum desired asset risk levelin the blockchain record has been verified, the risk profile associatedwith the buyer is below a buyer maximum risk threshold level, and thebid price from the buyer is greater than the minimum acceptable bidprice set by the seller. As another example, the asset module 30indicates disapproval when the risk level of the buyer is greater thanthe buyer maximum risk threshold level and/or when the blockchain recorddoes not verify. As yet another example, the asset module indicatesapproval when the risk level of the buyer is greater than the buyermaximum risk threshold level and the bid price from the buyer is greaterthan the listed price by the seller by more than a minimum differencebid-ask spread level.

When the first contingent asset purchase request is approved, a fourthstep of the example method of operation to execute the sale of thecontingent asset to the buyer from the seller utilizing the blockchainrecord includes the computing entity 21 obtaining payment for purchaseof the first available contingent asset from a first buyer associatedwith the first contingent asset purchase request 246. The obtaining ofthe payment for purchase includes a series of substeps. A first sub-stepincludes the asset module 30 determining an execution price based on theapproval. The determining includes one or more of establishing a baseselling price at the bid price and making an adjustment associated withrisk and/or transaction fees.

A second sub-step includes the asset module 30 issuing a request forpayment to the computing entity 23-1, where the request for paymentincludes the execution price within the blockchain record for the firstasset. A third sub-step includes the asset module 30 receiving purchaseinformation 248 from the computing entity 23-1, where the purchaseinformation 248 includes an updated blockchain record includinginformation to execute the sale including payment (e.g., includinginstructions such as immediate payment and/or deducting payment from anaccount associated with the buyer).

FIG. 11G further illustrates the example method of operation of theexecuting of the sale of the contingent asset to the buyer from theseller utilizing the blockchain record, where, having obtained thepayment for the purchase of the first available contingent asset, afifth step includes the computing entity 21 facilitating seller paymentutilizing the payment for purchase of the first available contingentasset to complete the purchase as illustrated in the risk chart of theasset timeline of FIG. 11H. The facilitating includes the asset module30 determining a seller payment amount from the payment for purchase andbased on the contingency information 202 (e.g., recourse, fees, etc.).The facilitating further includes the asset module 30 issuing a firstavailable contingent asset payment 250 to the computing entity 20-1 tosatisfy payment to the seller. In an embodiment, the first availablecontingent asset payment 250 includes the blockchain record associatedwith the first asset to provide payment. Alternatively or in additionto, the asset module 30 updates a seller account with a credit for theseller payment amount.

Having facilitated the seller payment, a sixth step of the examplemethod of operation of the executing of the sale of a contingent assetto the buyer from the seller utilizing the blockchain record includesthe computing entity 21 updating the first available contingent assetblockchain encoded record of the subset of available contingent assetblockchain encoded records that corresponds to the first availablecontingent asset to indicate reassignment the potential first liabilityof the first available contingent asset from the first seller to anentity associated with the first buyer of the first contingent assetpurchase request. For example, the asset module 30 updates the firstavailable contingent asset blockchain record 332 as illustrated in FIG.9K within the contingent asset database 34 to associate an identifier ofthe buyer with the first contingent asset. Alternatively, or in additionto, a risk level associated with the buyer is updated within theblockchain record based on the buyer now holding the first contingentasset.

The method described above in conjunction with a processing module ofany computing entity of the computing system 10 can alternatively beperformed by other modules of the computing system 10 of FIG. 1 or byother devices. In addition, at least one memory section that isnon-transitory (e.g., a non-transitory computer readable storage medium,a non-transitory computer readable memory organized into a first memoryelement, a second memory element, a third memory element, a fourthelement section, a fifth memory element, a sixth memory element, etc.)that stores operational instructions can, when executed by one or moreprocessing modules of the one or more computing entities of thecomputing system 10, cause one or more computing devices of thecomputing system 10 to perform any or all of the method steps describedabove.

FIGS. 12A-12D are schematic block diagrams of another embodiment of acomputing system and a contingent asset risk chart illustrating anexample of facilitating payment from a payer to a buyer for a contingentasset utilizing a blockchain record. The computing system includes thecomputing entity 20-1 of FIG. 1 , the computing entity 21 of FIG. 1 ,computing entities 23-1 through 23-N of FIG. 1 , and the computingentity 25-1 of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 12A illustrates an example method of operation of the facilitatingpayment from the payer to the buyer for the contingent asset utilizingthe blockchain record, where a first step includes the computing entity21 obtaining a lifecycle status for a first contingent asset of amultitude of contingent assets. The first contingent asset assigns apotential first liability of a first payer to an owner entity associatedwith the first contingent asset. At least a portion of the potentialfirst liability is to be paid by the first payer to the owner entity inaccordance with contingency information and subsequent to completion ofa first asset lifecycle of the first contingent asset as illustrated inFIG. 12B. The lifecycle status includes pending approval, approval forpayment (e.g., pending payment at t7 of FIG. 12B), and rejected.

The obtaining of the lifecycle status for the first contingent assetincludes a variety of approaches. A first approach includes the assetmodule 30 detecting a change in a risk level associated with the firstcontingent asset. A second approach includes the asset module 30detecting that a transition time frame has elapsed. A third approachincludes the asset module 30 receiving a request for an updated status.A fourth approach includes the asset module 30 issuing a status updaterequest to the computing entity 25-1 (e.g., the payer). A fifth approachincludes the asset module 30 interpreting a first asset status update214 from the computing entity 25-1. In an embodiment the first assetstatus update to 14 includes a blockchain record associated with thefirst contingent asset.

Having obtained the lifecycle status for the first contingent asset,when the lifecycle status of the first contingent asset has transitionedto pending payment, a second step of the example method of operation tofacilitate payment from the payer to the buyer of the contingent assetutilizing the blockchain record includes the computing entity 21updating a first contingent asset blockchain encoded record 340 toindicate the lifecycle status of the first contingent asset hastransitioned to pending payment. The updating includes the asset module30 modifying the content of the blockchain record as discussed in FIG.9K.

Having updated the first contingent asset blockchain encoded record 340,a third step of the example method of operation to facilitate paymentfrom the payer to the buyer of the contingent asset utilizing theblockchain record includes the computing entity 21 obtaining a payoutfor the first contingent asset from the first payer in accordance withthe contingency information 202 an utilizing the first contingent assetblockchain encoded record 340. The obtaining of the payout includes aseries of sub-steps. A first sub-step includes the asset module 30determining an expected payout based on the contingency information 202and payout information of content of the first contingent assetblockchain record 340. For example, the asset module 30 determines theexpected payout to be a committed payout level from the computing entity25-1.

A second sub-step includes the asset module 30 issuing a payout requestto the computing entity 25-1 of the payer, where the asset module 30modifies the first contingent asset blockchain record 340 to include theexpected payout and includes the first contingent asset blockchainrecord 340 in the payout request. A third sub-step includes the assetmodule 30 receiving a first contingent asset payout 260 from thecomputing entity 25-1. In an embodiment, the first contingent assetpayout 260 includes a further updated first contingent asset blockchainrecord that includes payout information. Alternatively, or in additionto, the first contingent asset payout 260 is included in a batch paymentfrom the computing entity 25-1 for a multitude of asset payouts, where amultitude of contingent asset blockchain records include a multitude ofpayouts.

FIG. 12C further illustrates the example method of operation of thefacilitating payment from the payer to the buyer for the contingentasset utilizing the blockchain record, where, when the lifecycle statusof the first contingent asset has transitioned to pending payment asillustrated at t7 in FIG. 12D, and having obtained the payout for thefirst contingent asset from the first payer, a fourth step includes thecomputing entity 21 determining a payoff for the owner entity based onthe payout and the contingency information 202. For example, when thepayout is less than a face value, the asset module 30 calculates thepayoff to be the payout minus any fees (e.g., a transaction fee). Asanother example, when the payout is greater than the face value, theasset module 30 calculates the payoff to be the payout minus the feesand further disposes of an overage (e.g., a difference between thepayout and the face value) in accordance with the contingencyinformation 202 (e.g., transfer funds to an account associated with anexchange, credit the buyer for a portion of a future purchase, creditthe seller for repurchase of a future sale).

Having determined the payoff for the owner entity, a fifth step of theexample method of operation of the facilitating payment from the payerto the buyer utilizing the blockchain record includes the computingentity 21 facilitating payment of the payoff to the owner entity. Forexample, the asset module 30 generates a payment message 262 thatincludes payment information in accordance with the first contingentasset payout 260. In an embodiment, the asset module 30 generates thepayment message 262 to include the first contingent asset blockchainrecord 340, where the first contingent asset blockchain record 340includes the payment information. The asset module 30 sends the paymentmessage 262 to the computing entity 23-1 associated with the ownerentity. Alternatively, or in addition to, the asset module 30 credits anaccount associated with the owner entity for the amount of the payoff.

The method described above in conjunction with a processing module ofany computing entity of the computing system 10 can alternatively beperformed by other modules of the computing system 10 of FIG. 1 or byother devices. In addition, at least one memory section that isnon-transitory (e.g., a non-transitory computer readable storage medium,a non-transitory computer readable memory organized into a first memoryelement, a second memory element, a third memory element, a fourthelement section, a fifth memory element, a sixth memory element, etc.)that stores operational instructions can, when executed by one or moreprocessing modules of the one or more computing entities of thecomputing system 10, cause one or more computing devices of thecomputing system 10 to perform any or all of the method steps describedabove.

FIGS. 13A-13F are schematic block diagrams of another embodiment of acomputing system and a contingent asset risk chart illustrating anexample of updating a listing for a contingent asset for sale utilizinga split blockchain record. The computing system includes the computingentity 20-1 of FIG. 1 , the computing entity 21 of FIG. 1 , computingentities 23-1 through 23-N of FIG. 1 , and the computing entity 25-1 ofFIG. 1 .

A split blockchain record enables ownership and transfer of ownershiptransactions to occur for two or more portions (e.g., sub-assets) of acommon contingent asset throughout the lifecycle of the contingentasset. For example, a split blockchain record supports two ownershipentities. As another example, another split blockchain record supports1,000 ownership entities of the common contingent asset.

A split blockchain record includes several approaches. A first approachincludes utilizing one blockchain record for a corresponding contingentasset, where different content portions of the blockchain recordcorrespond to the different ownership entities. A second approachincludes generating a separate new blockchain record for each ownershipentity to accompany the original blockchain record for the contingentasset, where content of all of the blockchain records includesreferences to all other blockchain records associated with the originalblockchain record. A third approach includes replacing the originalblockchain record with a separate new blockchain record for eachownership entity, where content from the original blockchain record istransferred to each of the separate new blockchain records. A fourthapproach includes utilizing the original blockchain record for a firstownership entity and creating a separate new blockchain record for eachownership entity beyond the first ownership entity of a multitude ofownership entities. As is further discussed below, use of the term splitblockchain record may refer to any of the approaches.

FIG. 13A illustrates an example method of operation of the updating ofthe listing of the contingent asset for sale utilizing the splitblockchain record where a first step includes the computing entity 21determining to update a first available contingent asset blockchainencoded record set 400 corresponding to a set of first availablecontingent sub-assets of a first available contingent asset of amultitude of available contingent assets. The first available contingentasset assigns a potential first liability of a first payer to a firstseller associated with the first available contingent asset. At least aportion of the potential first liability is to be paid by the firstpayer to the first seller in accordance with contingency information 202and subsequent to completion of a first asset lifecycle, as illustratedin FIG. 13B, of the first available contingent asset. Each firstavailable contingent asset blockchain encoded record of the firstavailable contingent asset blockchain encoded record set 400 is mappedto a corresponding first available contingent sub-asset of the set offirst available contingent sub-assets of the first available contingentasset.

The determining to update the first available contingent assetblockchain encoded record set 400 includes a variety of approaches. Afirst approach includes the asset module 30 detecting that an updatetime frame has elapsed. A second approach includes the asset module 30interpreting a first asset status update 214 from the computing entity25-1 (e.g., from the payer). In an embodiment, the first asset statusupdate to 14 includes a status blockchain. A third approach includes theasset module 30 interpreting first available contingent asset pricingupdate information 222 from the computing entity 20-1 (e.g., from theseller). For instance, the seller requests a higher asking price foreach sub-asset. As another instance, the seller requests that moresub-assets be created.

A fourth approach includes the asset module 30 detecting that value haschanged on a pool of related assets. A fifth approach includes the assetmodule 30 determining that a price change for the first asset isrequired to hit a desired rate of return. A sixth approach includes theasset module 30 detecting that bids for a majority of the sub-assets areunder corresponding asking prices by more than a maximum underagethreshold level (e.g., suggesting the set of first available contingentsub-assets has been overpriced).

Having determined to update the first available contingent assetblockchain record set 400, a second step of the example method ofoperation of the updating of the listing of a contingent asset for saleutilizing the split blockchain record includes the computing entity 21determining an updated valuation of each first available contingentsub-asset of the set of first available contingent sub-assets of thefirst available contingent asset to produce an updated set of firstavailable contingent sub-assets and an updated first availablecontingent asset as depicted at t2 on the risk chart of FIG. 13B. Thedetermining includes the asset module 30 reassessing the risk associatedwith the first asset and recalculating the value of each sub-asset basedon one or more of a percentage of the sub-assets that have been sold, anew estimate of the probability of payer approval, an updated expectedpayment, updated expected payment timing, an updated expected rate ofreturn, recent bid prices for the first asset, and recent bid-askspreads for other pools of similar assets.

FIG. 13C further illustrates the example method of operation of theupdating of the listing of the contingent asset for sale utilizing thesplit blockchain record where, having produced the updated set of firstavailable contingent sub-assets and the updated first availablecontingent asset, a third step includes the computing entity 21 updatingthe first available contingent asset blockchain encoded record set toproduce an updated first available contingent asset blockchain encodedrecord set 402 based on the updated valuation of each first availablecontingent sub-asset of the set of first available contingentsub-assets. For example, the asset module 30 updates the first availablecontingent asset blockchain record set 400, as discussed with referenceto FIG. 9K, to modify content of each record to indicate the updatedvaluation of each first available contingent sub-asset. Alternatively,or in addition to, the asset module 30 updates aspects of thecontingency information 202 as a function of the updated valuations.

Having produced the updated first available contingent asset blockchainrecord set 402, a fourth step of the example method of operation of theupdating of the listing of the contingent asset for sale utilizing thesplit blockchain record includes the computing entity 21 publishingavailability of the updated first available contingent asset to aplurality of other computing entities 23-1 through 23-N (e.g., tobuyers) as illustrated in FIG. 13D utilizing the updated first availablecontingent asset blockchain record set 402. The publishing includes theasset module 30 performing one or more of generating an exchange listingutilizing that includes the updated first available contingent assetblockchain record set 402, posting the exchange listing on an exchange,and sending the updated first available contingent asset blockchainrecord set 402 to a plurality of other computing entities (e.g., to thecomputing entities 23-1 through 23-N).

FIG. 13E further illustrates the example method of operation of theupdating of the listing of the contingent asset for sale utilizing thesplit blockchain record where, having published the availability of theupdated first available contingent asset, the computing entity 21updates the updated first available contingent asset blockchain encodedrecord set to produce a first non-contingent asset blockchain encodedrecord set 404 when a first asset risk level of the updated firstavailable contingent asset is less than a contingency risk thresholdlevel. The transitioning to the non-contingent status provides desiredcertainty for parties associated with ownership of the portions of thefirst asset throughout the first asset lifecycle as illustrated in FIG.13F.

The updating of the updated first available contingent asset to producethe first non-contingent asset blockchain record set 404 by thecomputing entity 21 includes a series of sub-steps. In a first sub-stepthe asset module 30 obtains status of the first asset (e.g., interpret afirst asset status update 214 from the computing entity 25-1). In asecond sub-step the asset module 30 reassesses risk information of thecontingency information 202 to produce an updated probability of thepayer paying the payout at the end of the asset lifecycle even when thepayer has approved the payment. A third sub-step includes the assetmodule 30 modifying status of the blockchain record, as discussed withreference to FIG. 9K, of the first asset (e.g., and sub-assets) toindicate the non-contingent status. A fourth sub-step includes the assetmodule 30 repricing at least some of the sub-assets of the first assetwhen the first asset is still for sale (e.g., at least the portion ofthe first asset is still for sale during the asset lifecycle, setting aproportionally higher price for larger portions). A fifth sub-stepincludes the asset module 30 publishing the first non-contingent assetblockchain record set 404 (e.g., to the computing entities 23-1 through23-N) when at least some of the first asset is still available for sale.

The method described above in conjunction with a processing module ofany computing entity of the computing system 10 can alternatively beperformed by other modules of the computing system 10 of FIG. 1 or byother devices. In addition, at least one memory section that isnon-transitory (e.g., a non-transitory computer readable storage medium,a non-transitory computer readable memory organized into a first memoryelement, a second memory element, a third memory element, a fourthelement section, a fifth memory element, a sixth memory element, etc.)that stores operational instructions can, when executed by one or moreprocessing modules of the one or more computing entities of thecomputing system 10, cause one or more computing devices of thecomputing system 10 to perform any or all of the method steps describedabove.

FIGS. 14A-14H are schematic block diagrams of another embodiment of acomputing system and a contingent asset risk chart illustrating anexample of executing a sale of a portion of a contingent asset to abuyer from a seller utilizing a split blockchain record. The computingsystem includes the computing entity 20-1 of FIG. 1 , the computingentity 21 of FIG. 1 , computing entities 23-1 through 23-N of FIG. 1 ,and the computing entity 25-1 of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 14A illustrates an example method of operation of the executing thesale of the portion of the contingent asset to the buyer from the sellerutilizing the split blockchain record, where a first step includes thecomputing entity 21 indicates availability of a subset of availablecontingent assets of a multitude of available contingent assets to thecomputing entity 23-1 at t1 of the risk chart for the asset lifecycle inFIG. 14B, based on a desired asset profile of the computing entity 23-1and utilizing a plurality of available contingent asset blockchainencoded record sets 500 that represent the subset of availablecontingent assets. Each available contingent asset blockchain encodedrecord of a corresponding available contingent asset blockchain encodedrecord set is mapped to a corresponding available contingent sub-assetof an available contingent asset of the subset of available contingentassets.

A first available contingent asset of the subset of available contingentassets assigns a potential first liability of a first payer to a firstseller associated with the first available contingent asset. At least aportion of the potential first liability is to be paid by the firstpayer to the first seller in accordance with contingency information andsubsequent to completion of a first asset lifecycle of the firstavailable contingent asset. Each first available contingent assetblockchain encoded record of a first available contingent assetblockchain encoded record set is mapped to a corresponding firstavailable contingent sub-asset of a set of first available contingentsub-assets of a first available contingent asset.

The indicating availability of the subset of available contingent assetsincludes a series of sub-steps. A first sub-step includes the assetmodule 30 identifying assets desired by the computing entity 23-1 (e.g.,the buyer) as the subset of available contingent assets. For example,the asset module 30 compares the desired asset profile of the computingentity 23-1 to assets of the available contingent asset blockchainrecord sets 500 and/or of assets listed in the contingent asset database34 to select those assets that substantially satisfy the desired assetprofile. A second sub-step includes the asset module 30 generating theavailable contingent asset blockchain record sets 500 utilizing theselected assets (e.g., recovering individual blockchain records for eachof the subset of available contingent assets from the contingent assetdatabase 34). A third sub-step includes the asset module 30 sending theavailable contingent asset blockchain record sets 500 to the computingentity 23-1. Alternatively, or in addition to, the asset module 30publishes the available contingent asset blockchain record sets 500 onan exchange and/or sends the available contingent asset blockchainrecord sets 500 to other computing entities associated with even morebuyers as illustrated at t1 of the risk chart for the asset lifecycle inFIG. 14B.

FIG. 14C further illustrates the example method of operation of theexecuting of the sale of the portion of the contingent asset to thebuyer from the seller utilizing the split blockchain record, where,having indicated the availability of the subset of available contingentassets using the available contingent asset blockchain record sets 500to the buyer computing entity, in a second step the computing entity 21obtains a set of contingent asset purchase requests 244 from thecomputing entity 23-1 (e.g., the buyer). The set of contingent assetpurchase requests 244 includes a first contingent asset purchase request246 with regards to a bid for a portion of the first availablecontingent asset. The set of contingent asset purchase requests aregenerated within a purchase timeframe as illustrated near t2 of thetimeline of the risk chart of the first asset lifecycle of FIG. 14D.

The first contingent asset purchase request 246 includes one or more ofthe identifier (ID) of the first asset, an identifier of the portion ofthe first asset, an identifier for a corresponding blockchain record, abuyer ID, a bid price for the portion of the first asset, the bid pricefor combinations of two or more portions, a bid price in a strike pricefor a first right purchase option on one or more portions, a bid priceand a strike price for at least one put option on the portion ifpurchased, a bid price range as a function of one or more conditions(e.g., higher and of the range when risk of the first asset is lower),and settlement information (e.g., an account to debit upon purchase, acredit instrument to utilize for payment, payment timing, etc.). In anembodiment, the contingent asset purchase request 244 includes modifiedblockchain records for portions of corresponding contingent assets(e.g., to include purchase request content). The conditions of the bidprice range include risk, a blockchain record verification requirement(e.g., bid only valid when a corresponding blockchain record can beverified), number of portions of similar assets currently available forsale, number of portions of similar assets currently held by the buyer,number portions of similar assets associated with the payer that stillhave an active lifecycle, or any other condition that can reasonablyaffect pricing to create an efficient market.

The obtaining of the set of contingent asset purchase requests 244 bythe computing entity 21 includes a variety of approaches. A firstapproach includes the asset module 30 issuing a request for a bidmessage to the computing entity 23-1 (e.g., that includes an indicationthat assets of the subset of available contingent asset includesportions of assets that substantially satisfies the desired assetprofile of the buyer of the computing entity 23-1). A second approachincludes the asset module 30 receiving the set of contingent assetpurchase request 244 from the computing entity 23-1.

A third approach includes the asset module 30 determining an auto-orderoutcome based on the desired asset profile of the buyer computingentity. For example, the asset module 30 interprets the desired assetprofile to identify the portions of assets to include in auto-generatingthe contingent asset purchase requests 244 on behalf of the buyercomputing entity. A fourth approach includes the asset module receivingone or more contingent asset purchase requests from one or more othercomputing entities.

FIG. 14E further illustrates the example method of operation of theexecuting of the sale of the portion of the contingent asset to thebuyer from the seller utilizing the split blockchain record, where,having obtained the set of contingent asset purchase requests from thebuyer computing entity, a third step includes the computing entity 21determining whether to approve the first contingent asset purchaserequest 246 based on at least some of the set of contingent assetpurchase requests and a risk profile during the purchase timeframe aftert2 of the risk chart for the asset lifecycle of FIG. 14F. The assetmodule 30 determines whether to approve the first contingent assetpurchase request 246 based on one or more of verification of ablockchain record associated with the portion of the first contingentasset purchase request, face value of the first asset, a listed price bythe seller for the portion, a minimum acceptable bid price set by theseller, and a bid price from the buyer, a history of bid-ask spreads.The approval determination is further based on one or more of other bidacceptances of the set of contingent asset purchase requests, a riskprofile associated with the buyer, the risk level of the asset, anassessment to the impact of the buyer's portfolio, and an assessment ofthe impact to the available contingent assets.

As an example of the determining whether to approve the first contingentasset purchase request 246, the asset module 30 indicates approval whenthe risk level of the asset is below a maximum desired asset risk levelin the corresponding blockchain record has been verified, the riskprofile associated with the buyer is below a buyer maximum riskthreshold level, and the bid price from the buyer is greater than theminimum acceptable bid price set by the seller for the portion. Asanother example, the asset module 30 indicates disapproval when the risklevel of the buyer is greater than the buyer maximum risk thresholdlevel and/or when the corresponding blockchain record does not verify.As yet another example, the asset module indicates approval when therisk level of the buyer is greater than the buyer maximum risk thresholdlevel and the bid price from the buyer is greater than the listed priceby the seller by more than a minimum difference bid-ask spread level.

When the first contingent asset purchase request 246 is approved for theportion, a fourth step of the example method of operation to execute thesale of the portion of the contingent asset to the buyer from the sellerutilizing the split blockchain record includes the computing entity 21obtaining payment for purchase of the portion of the first availablecontingent asset from a first buyer associated with the first contingentasset purchase request 246. The obtaining of the payment for purchaseincludes a series of substeps. A first sub-step includes the assetmodule 30 determining an execution price based on the approval. Thedetermining includes one or more of establishing a base selling price atthe bid price and making an adjustment associated with risk and/ortransaction fees.

A second sub-step includes the asset module 30 issuing a request forpayment to the computing entity 23-1, where the request for paymentincludes the execution price within the blockchain record for theportion of the first asset. A third sub-step includes the asset module30 receiving purchase information 248 from the computing entity 23-1,where the purchase information 248 includes an updated blockchain recordincluding information to execute the sale including payment for theportion (e.g., including instructions such as immediate payment and/ordeducting payment from an account associated with the buyer).

FIG. 14G further illustrates the example method of operation of theexecuting of the sale of the portion of the contingent asset to thebuyer from the seller utilizing the split blockchain record, where,having obtained the payment for the purchase of the portion of the firstavailable contingent asset, a fifth step includes the computing entity21 facilitating seller payment utilizing the payment for purchase of theportion of the first available contingent asset to complete the purchaseas illustrated in the risk chart of the asset timeline of FIG. 14H. Thefacilitating includes the asset module 30 determining a seller paymentamount from the payment for purchase and based on the contingencyinformation 202 (e.g., recourse, fees, etc.). The facilitating furtherincludes the asset module 30 issuing a payment for portion of firstavailable contingent asset 502 to the computing entity 20-1 to satisfypayment to the seller. In an embodiment, the payment for portion offirst available contingent asset 502 includes the corresponding splitblockchain record associated with the portion of the first asset toprovide payment. Alternatively, or in addition to, the asset module 30updates a seller account with a credit for the seller payment amount.

Having facilitated the seller payment, a sixth step of the examplemethod of operation of the executing of the sale of the portion of thecontingent asset to the buyer from the seller utilizing the splitblockchain record includes the computing entity 21 identifying aselected first available contingent asset blockchain encoded record ofthe first available contingent asset blockchain encoded record set 500that corresponds to the portion of the first available contingent asset.For example, the asset module 30 selects a split blockchain record ofthe available contingent asset blockchain record sets 500 that maps tothe portion of the first available contingent asset.

Having identified the first available contingent asset blockchainencoded record that corresponds to the portion, a seventh step of theexample method of operation of the executing of the sale of the portionof the contingent asset to the buyer from the seller utilizing the splitblockchain record includes the computing entity 21 updating at leastsome of the first available contingent asset blockchain encoded recordset 500 based on the portion of the first available contingent asset toindicate reassignment of at least a portion of the potential firstliability of the first available contingent asset from the first sellerto an entity associated with the first buyer of the first contingentasset purchase request. For example, the asset module 30 updates theidentified first available contingent asset blockchain encoded record(e.g., split blockchain record) as illustrated in FIG. 9K within thecontingent asset database 34 to associate an identifier of the buyerwith the first contingent asset. Alternatively, or in addition to, arisk level associated with the buyer is updated within the blockchainrecord based on the buyer now holding the first contingent asset.

The method described above in conjunction with a processing module ofany computing entity of the computing system 10 can alternatively beperformed by other modules of the computing system 10 of FIG. 1 or byother devices. In addition, at least one memory section that isnon-transitory (e.g., a non-transitory computer readable storage medium,a non-transitory computer readable memory organized into a first memoryelement, a second memory element, a third memory element, a fourthelement section, a fifth memory element, a sixth memory element, etc.)that stores operational instructions can, when executed by one or moreprocessing modules of the one or more computing entities of thecomputing system 10, cause one or more computing devices of thecomputing system 10 to perform any or all of the method steps describedabove.

FIGS. 15A-15H are schematic block diagrams of another embodiment of acomputing system and a contingent asset risk chart illustrating anexample of listing a contingent asset for sale utilizing a splitblockchain record. The computing system includes the computing entity20-1 of FIG. 1 , the computing entity 21 of FIG. 1 , computing entities23-1 through 23-N of FIG. 1 , and the computing entity 25-1 of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 15A illustrates an example method of operation of the listing ofthe contingent asset for sale utilizing the split blockchain recordwhere a first step includes the computing entity 21 interpreting amultitude of digital records representing a multitude of contingentassets to produce a first digital record of the multitude of digitalrecords. The first digital record of the multitude of digital recordsrepresents a first contingent asset (e.g., a first asset) of themultitude of contingent assets and assigns a potential first liabilityof a first payer identifier to a first seller identifier associated withthe first contingent asset. For example, the asset module 30 obtains aset of asset sale requests 200-1 through 200-N from the computing entity20-1 as depicted prior to t3 on the risk vs. time chart of FIG. 15B. Atleast a portion of the face value of the potential first liability is tobe paid by a first payer associated with the first payer identifier to afirst seller associated with the first seller identifier in accordancewith contingency information 202 and subsequent to completion of a firstasset lifecycle of the first asset. The set of asset sale requests aregenerated within a sales timeframe.

The computing entity 21 produces the first digital record of the assetsale request 200-1 associated with the first asset by at least one ofidentifying desired assets associated with the computing entity 20-1(e.g., identify what a seller associated with the computing entity 20-1should offer for sale), requesting that the computing entity 20-1 issuethe sale request, and receiving the sale request from the computingentity 20-1. Alternatively, or in addition to, the asset sale request200-1 includes a blockchain record associated with the first asset. Inan embodiment the computing entity 20-1 is associated with a third partyrepresenting one or more sellers.

FIG. 15C further illustrates the example method of operation of thelisting of the contingent asset for sale utilizing the split blockchainrecord where, having obtained the set of asset sale requests andproduced the first digital record, a second step includes the computingentity 21 interpreting a first authenticity indicator associated withthe first digital record to produce a first contingent asset risk levelof the first contingent asset. The interpreting the first authenticityindicator associated with the first digital record that represents thefirst contingent asset to produce the first contingent asset risk levelof the first contingent asset includes a series of sub-steps.

A first sub-step includes the asset module 30 extracting an identifierof an asset authenticity computing entity from the first digital recordthat represents the first contingent asset based on the first selleridentifier. For example, the asset module 30 extracts the identifier ofthe computing entity 25-1 from the asset sale request 200-1.

A second sub-step includes the asset module 30 obtaining authenticityinformation from the asset authenticity computing entity for the firstcontingent asset utilizing the identifier of the asset authenticitycomputing entity. For example, the asset module 30 receives theauthenticity information from the computing entity 25-1 (e.g., via afirst authenticity indicator 204).

A third sub-step includes the asset module 30 indicating that the firstcontingent asset is valid when the authenticity information validatesthat the potential first liability of the first payer identifier is tothe first seller identifier associated with the first contingent assetand indicates that the first payer identifier has not disapprovedpayment of the potential first liability. For example, the asset module30 interprets the first authenticity indicator 204 to determine a statusof the first contingent asset where the status indicates that thepotential first liability of the asset sale request 200-1 is confirmedas associated with the first payer. The asset module 30 furtherinterprets the first authenticity indicator 204 to determine that thestatus indicates that the potential first liability of the first payeris to be made to the first seller of the asset sale request 200-1. Theasset module 30 further interprets the first authenticity indicator 204to determine that the status indicates that the first payer has notdisapproved payment of the potential first liability (e.g., status iseither approved or pending approval but not denied).

When the first contingent asset is valid and the authenticityinformation indicates approval of the payment of the potential firstliability, a fourth sub-step includes the computing entity 21establishing the first contingent asset risk level to be less than acontingency risk threshold level. For example, the asset module 30updates the contingency information 202 in the contingent asset database34 to indicate that the first contingent asset risk level is less thanthe contingency risk threshold level since the first payer has approvedthe payment.

Alternatively, when the first contingent asset is valid and theauthenticity information indicates pending approval of the payment ofthe potential first liability, a fifth sub-step includes the computingentity 21 establishing the first contingent asset risk level to begreater than the contingency risk threshold level since the first payerhas not yet approved the payment implying that it is possible thatpayment will never be made. For example, the asset module 30 updates thecontingency information 202 to indicate that the first contingent assetrisk level is greater than the contingency risk threshold level asillustrated in FIG. 15D.

Having produced the first contingent asset risk level, when the firstcontingent asset risk level of the first contingent asset is greaterthan a contingency risk threshold level, a third step of the examplemethod of operation includes the computing entity 21 establishing a setof first contingent asset available terms for a corresponding set ofportions of the first contingent asset based on the first contingentasset risk level.

The establishing the set of first contingent asset available terms forthe corresponding set of portions of the first contingent asset based onthe first contingent asset risk level includes a series of sub-steps. Afirst sub-step includes the asset module 30 determining proposed pricingof the portions of the first contingent asset based on one or more of adesired set of sale prices from the first seller associated with thefirst seller identifier, an estimated probability of first payerapproval, an expected payment timeframe, an expected payment level, anexpected rate of return for the first seller, recent bid prices forother contingent assets, and recent bid-ask spreads for the othercontingent assets. For example, the asset module 30 determines theproposed pricing of the set of portions of the first contingent asset asthe same as the desired set of sale prices from the first seller asindicated in the asset sale request 200-1.

A second sub-step includes the asset module 30 determining whether theproposed pricing is acceptable to the first seller. For example, theasset module 30 issues a query to the computing entity 20-1 and receivesa query response that includes a first contingent asset pricing approvalindicator 208 indicating whether the proposed pricing of the set ofportions is acceptable to the first seller. As another example, theasset module 30 recovers acceptable pricing range information for thefirst seller from the contingency information 202 and indicates whetherthe proposed pricing of the set of portions is acceptable to the firstseller based on interpreting the acceptable pricing range information.

A third sub-step includes establishing the set of first contingent assetavailable terms to include the proposed pricing of the portions of thefirst contingent asset when the proposed pricing is acceptable to thefirst seller. For example, the asset module 30 updates the contingencyinformation 202 for the first contingent asset to include the proposedpricing of the set of portions as approved by the first seller.

FIG. 15E further illustrates the example method of operation of thelisting of the contingent asset for sale utilizing the split blockchainrecord where, having determined that the first contingent asset risklevel is greater than the contingency risk threshold level asillustrated in FIG. 15F, in a fourth step, when the first asset risklevel of the first contingent asset is greater than the contingency riskthreshold level, the computing entity 21 generates a set of first smartcontracts to represent the set of portions of the first contingent assetto include the set of first contingent asset available terms and acontingent status. Each first smart contract of the set of first smartcontracts includes a corresponding first contingent asset availableterms of a corresponding portion of the set of portions of the firstcontingent asset. For example, the asset module 30 generates the set ofsmart contracts as discussed previously for smart contract 700 toinclude an indication of availability of a portion of the firstcontingent asset, first available terms, and a status indicatorindicating that the payment by the first payer is still contingent(e.g., not approved yet).

Having generated the set of first smart contracts, a fifth step of theexample method of operation includes the computing entity 21 causinggeneration of a non-fungible token (NFT) to represent the set of firstsmart contracts in the object distributed ledger. The generating of theNFT to represent the set of first smart contracts in the objectdistributed ledger includes determining whether to indirectly ordirectly update the object distributed ledger. For example, thecomputing entity 21 determines to indirectly update the objectdistributed ledger when the computing entity 21 does not have asatisfactory direct access to the object distributed ledger (e.g., thecomputing entity 21 does not serve as a blockchain node). As anotherexample, the computing entity 21 determines to directly update theobject distributed ledger when a predetermination stored in thecontingent asset database 34 indicates to directly access the objectdistributed ledger when possible (e.g., a copy of the blockchain isstored in the contingent asset database 34 of the computing entity 21).

When indirectly updating the object distributed ledger, the causing thegeneration includes the computing entity 21 issuing a non-fungible tokengeneration request to an object ledger computing device serving as ablockchain node of the object distributed ledger. The non-fungible tokengeneration request includes the set of first smart contracts. Forexample, the computing entity 21 issues a first available contingentasset blockchain record set 301 to the computing entity 23-1, where thefirst available contingent asset blockchain record set 301 includes therequest and the set of first smart contracts. In response, the computingentity 23-1 adds a new non-fungible token listing to the objectdistributed ledger (e.g., as illustrated by FIGS. 9B and 9C).

When directly updating the object distributed ledger, the causing thegeneration includes the computing entity 21 performing a series ofsub-steps previously discussed in FIG. 9D and as also discussed in FIG.9K. A first sub-step includes obtaining a copy of the object distributedledger. For example, the computing entity 21 extracts the objectdistributed ledger from a message from computing entity 23-1. As anotherexample, the computing entity 21 recovers the object distributed ledgerfrom the contingent asset database 34.

A second sub-step includes hashing the set of first smart contractsutilizing a receiving public key of the object distributed ledger toproduce a next transaction hash value. For example, the computing entity21 obtains a suitable receiving public key (e.g., from a current versionof the blockchain, from a blockchain node, from the computing entity23-1) and performs the hashing function to produce the next transactionhash value.

A third sub-step includes encrypting the next transaction hash valueutilizing a private key of the computing entity 21 to produce a nexttransaction signature. For example, the computing entity 21 recovers aprivate key associated with the computing entity 21 and utilizes therecovered private key to encrypt the next transaction hash value toproduce the next transaction signature.

A fourth sub-step includes generating a next block of a blockchain ofthe object distributed ledger to include the set of first smartcontracts and the next transaction signature. For example, the computingentity 21 generates the next block as previously discussed with regardsto FIG. 9D to include the set of first smart contracts and the nexttransaction signature.

A fifth sub-step includes causing inclusion of the next block as thenon-fungible token in the object distributed ledger. For example, thecomputing entity 21 appends the next block of the blockchain in theobject distributed ledger as previously discussed with reference to FIG.9D to update the object distributed ledger as illustrated in FIGS. 9Band 9C.

Alternatively, when the first contingent asset risk level of the firstcontingent asset is less than the contingency risk threshold level, theexample method of operation includes the computing entity 21establishing the set of first contingent asset available terms for thecorresponding set of portions of the first contingent asset to includethe set of first contingent asset available terms and a non-contingentstatus. The example method of operation further includes the computingentity 21 causing generation of the non-fungible token to represent theset of first smart contracts in the object distributed ledger aspreviously discussed.

Having generated the first contingent asset blockchain record set 301 asthe NFT, the example method further includes the computing entity 21publishing availability of the portions of first available contingentasset utilizing the first available contingent asset blockchain recordset 301 to a plurality of other computing entities (e.g., to a pluralityof potential buyers). The publishing includes one or more of generatinga message that includes the first available contingent asset blockchainrecord set 301, posting the message on an exchange (e.g., storing theblockchain record set in the contingent asset database 34 and makingthat portion of the database available to potential buyers), and sendingthe message to at least some of the computing entities 23-1 through 23-Nto reach buyers with the listing as illustrated in the risk versus timechart of FIG. 15F.

FIG. 15G further illustrates the example method of operation of thelisting of the contingent asset for sale utilizing the split blockchainrecord where, having published availability of the first availablecontingent asset utilizing the first available contingent assetblockchain encoded record set, in a sixth step the computing entity 21updates the first available contingent asset blockchain encoded recordset to produce a first non-contingent asset blockchain encoded recordset 303 as a modification to the NFT as illustrated on the risk chart ofFIG. 15H, subsequent to the generation of the non-fungible token thatrepresents the set of first smart contracts in the object distributedledger when the first contingent asset risk level of the firstcontingent asset is greater than the contingency risk threshold level.

The producing of the modification of the NFT includes a series ofsub-steps. A first sub-step includes the computing entity 21 detectingthat an updated first contingent asset risk level of the firstcontingent asset is less than the contingency risk threshold level. Forexample, the asset module 30 obtains status of the first contingentasset by interpreting a first asset status update 214 from the computingentity 25-1 (indicating one of a payment approval status, approvalpending, or approval rejected), reassess the risk information associatedwith the portions of the first contingent asset including updating aprobability that the payer will pay at the end of the asset lifecycle,and interpreting risk information of the content of the blockchainrecord set. In an embodiment, the first asset status update 214 includesa status blockchain. The asset module 30 indicates the first asset risklevel to be less than the contingency risk threshold level when thestatus blockchain from the first asset status update 214 indicates thatthe payer has approved the potential liability of the first asset whenthe status blockchain has been verified as previously discussed.

A second sub-step includes establishing an updated set of firstcontingent asset available terms for the corresponding set of portionsof the first contingent asset based on the updated first contingentasset risk level. For example, the asset module 30 changes a status fromcontingent to non-contingent, determines an updated price and/or set ofprices for the portions (e.g., raising prices when the portions areunsold and the payer has approved a subsequent payout).

A third sub-step includes generating an updated set of first smartcontracts to represent the set of portions of the first contingent assetto include the updated set of first contingent asset available terms anda non-contingent status. A fourth sub-step includes causing modificationof the non-fungible token to represent the updated set of first smartcontracts in the object distributed ledger. Alternatively, or inaddition to, the asset module 30 further publishes the updated recordsby sending the first noncontingent asset blockchain record set 303 tothe computing entities 23-1 through 23-N when at least one portion ofthe first contingent asset is still available.

The method described above in conjunction with a processing module ofany computing entity of the computing system 10 can alternatively beperformed by other modules of the computing system 10 of FIG. 1 or byother devices. In addition, at least one memory section that isnon-transitory (e.g., a non-transitory computer readable storage medium,a non-transitory computer readable memory organized into a first memoryelement, a second memory element, a third memory element, a fourthelement section, a fifth memory element, a sixth memory element, etc.)that stores operational instructions can, when executed by one or moreprocessing modules of the one or more computing entities of thecomputing system 10, cause one or more computing devices of thecomputing system 10 to perform any or all of the method steps describedabove.

FIGS. 16A-16D are schematic block diagrams of another embodiment of acomputing system and a contingent asset risk chart illustrating anexample of facilitating payment from a payer to a buyer for a contingentasset utilizing a split blockchain record. The computing system includesthe computing entity 20-1 of FIG. 1 , the computing entity 21 of FIG. 1, computing entities 23-1 through 23-N of FIG. 1 , and the computingentity 25-1 of FIG. 1 . In an embodiment, the buyer includes a pluralityof owner entities.

FIG. 16A illustrates an example method of operation of the facilitatingpayment from the payer to the buyer for the contingent asset utilizingthe split blockchain record, where a first step includes the computingentity 21 obtaining a lifecycle status for a first contingent asset of amultitude of contingent assets. The first contingent asset assigns apotential first liability of a first payer to an owner entity associatedwith the first contingent asset. At least a portion of the potentialfirst liability is to be paid by the first payer to the owner entity inaccordance with contingency information and subsequent to completion ofa first asset lifecycle of the first contingent asset as illustrated inFIG. 16B. The lifecycle status includes pending approval, approval forpayment (e.g., pending payment at t7 of FIG. 16B), and rejected.

The obtaining of the lifecycle status for the first contingent assetincludes a variety of approaches. A first approach includes the assetmodule 30 detecting a change in a risk level associated with the firstcontingent asset. A second approach includes the asset module 30detecting that a transition time frame has elapsed. A third approachincludes the asset module 30 receiving a request for an updated status.A fourth approach includes the asset module 30 issuing a status updaterequest to the computing entity 25-1 (e.g., the payer). A fifth approachincludes the asset module 30 interpreting a first asset status update214 from the computing entity 25-1. In an embodiment the first assetstatus update 214 includes a blockchain record associated with the firstcontingent asset.

Having obtained the lifecycle status for the first contingent asset,when the lifecycle status of the first contingent asset has transitionedto pending payment, a second step of the example method of operation tofacilitate payment from the payer to the buyer of the contingent assetutilizing the split blockchain record includes the computing entity 21updating a first contingent asset blockchain encoded record set 341 toindicate the lifecycle status of the first contingent asset hastransitioned to pending payment.

The first contingent asset blockchain-encoded record set 341 correspondsto a set of first contingent sub-assets of the first contingent asset.Each first contingent asset blockchain-encoded record of the firstcontingent asset blockchain-encoded record set is mapped to acorresponding first contingent sub-asset of the set of first contingentsub-assets of the first contingent asset. The updating further includesthe asset module 30 modifying the content of each blockchain record ofthe blockchain record set as discussed in FIG. 9K.

Having updated the first contingent asset blockchain encoded record set341, a third step of the example method of operation to facilitatepayment from the payer to the buyer of the contingent asset utilizingthe split blockchain record includes the computing entity 21 obtaining apayout for the first contingent asset from the first payer in accordancewith the contingency information 202 an utilizing the first contingentasset blockchain encoded record set 341. The obtaining of the payoutincludes a series of sub-steps. A first sub-step includes the assetmodule 30 determining an expected payout based on the contingencyinformation 202 and payout information of content of the firstcontingent asset blockchain record set 341. For example, the assetmodule 30 determines the expected payout to be a committed payout levelfrom the computing entity 25-1.

A second sub-step includes the asset module 30 issuing a payout requestto the computing entity 25-1 of the payer, where the asset module 30modifies the first contingent asset blockchain record set 341 to includethe expected payout and includes the first contingent asset blockchainrecord set 341 in the payout request. A third sub-step includes theasset module 30 receiving a first contingent asset payout 260 from thecomputing entity 25-1. In an embodiment, the first contingent assetpayout 260 includes a further updated first contingent asset blockchainrecord set that includes payout information. Alternatively, or inaddition to, the first contingent asset payout 260 is included in abatch payment from the computing entity 25-1 for a multitude of assetpayouts, where a multitude of contingent asset blockchain recordsinclude a multitude of payouts associated with at least the set of firstcontingent sub- assets of the first contingent asset.

FIG. 16C further illustrates the example method of operation of thefacilitating payment from the payer to the buyer for the contingentasset utilizing the blockchain record, where, when the lifecycle statusof the first contingent asset has transitioned to pending payment asillustrated at t7 in FIG. 16D, and having obtained the payout for thefirst contingent asset from the first payer, a fourth step includes thecomputing entity 21 determining a payoff for each owner entity of a setof owner entities based on the payout, the contingency information 202,and the first contingent asset blockchain encoded record set 341. Forexample, when the payout is less than a face value, the asset module 30calculates the payoff to be a total payout minus any fees (e.g., atransaction fee). As another example, when the payout is greater thanthe face value, the asset module 30 calculates the total payoff to bethe payout minus the fees and further disposes of an overage (e.g., adifference between the payout and the face value) in accordance with thecontingency information 202 (e.g., transfer funds to an accountassociated with an exchange, credit the buyer for a portion of a futurepurchase, credit the seller for repurchase of a future sale). As yetanother example, the asset module 30 calculates each payout for eachowner based on ownership levels indicated by the first contingent assetblockchain record set 341.

Having determined the payoff for the set of owner entities, a fifth stepof the example method of operation of the facilitating payment from thepayer to the buyer utilizing the split blockchain record includes thecomputing entity 21 facilitating payment of the payoff to the set ofowner entities. For example, the asset module 30 generates a paymentmessage 262 for each owner entity that includes corresponding paymentinformation in accordance with the first contingent asset payout 260 andthe first contingent asset blockchain record set 341. In an embodiment,the asset module 30 generates a first payment message 262 for an ownerentity associated with the computing entity 23-1 to include acorresponding record of the first contingent asset blockchain record set341, where the corresponding record of the first contingent assetblockchain record set 341 includes the payment information. The assetmodule 30 sends the payment message 262 to the computing entity 23-1associated with the owner entity. Alternatively, or in addition to, theasset module 30 credits an account associated with the owner entity forthe amount of the payoff.

The method described above in conjunction with a processing module ofany computing entity of the computing system 10 can alternatively beperformed by other modules of the computing system 10 of FIG. 1 or byother devices. In addition, at least one memory section that isnon-transitory (e.g., a non-transitory computer readable storage medium,a non-transitory computer readable memory organized into a first memoryelement, a second memory element, a third memory element, a fourthelement section, a fifth memory element, a sixth memory element, etc.)that stores operational instructions can, when executed by one or moreprocessing modules of the one or more computing entities of thecomputing system 10, cause one or more computing devices of thecomputing system 10 to perform any or all of the method steps describedabove.

FIGS. 17A-17F are schematic block diagrams of another embodiment of acomputing system and a contingent asset risk chart illustrating anexample of creating a contingent asset for conversion into an instantasset at a point of purchase. The computing system includes computingentities 20-1 through 20-N of FIG. 1 , the computing entity 21 of FIG. 1, computing entities 23-1 through 23-N of FIG. 1 , and the computingentity 25-1 of FIG. 1 . In an embodiment, the computing entities 20-1through 20-N are associated with a multitude of consumers in a point ofpurchase scenario. For example, computing entity 20-1 is associated withretail processing for a first retailer of a multitude of retailers(e.g., at a point of sale terminal, on a smart phone of the consumer, ona home computer associated with the consumer). As another example,computing entity 20-2 is associated with a first consumer of themultitude of consumers. As yet another example, computing entity 20-3 isassociated with a first merchant bank of a multitude of merchant banks(e.g., a debit or credit processing facility).

FIG. 17A illustrates an example method of operation of the creating thecontingent asset for conversion into the instant asset at the point ofpurchase, where a first step includes the computing entity 21 obtaining,from a requesting computing entity of the computing system in accordancewith a securely passing process, control over a secure first pendingtransaction associated with a transaction item. The secure first pendingtransaction includes identity of the transaction item (e.g., identity ofa good, identity of a service, an element of an agreement, etc.),identity of the requesting computing entity (e.g., computing entity20-1), identity of the computing entity (e.g., computing entity 21), andan authenticated value of the transaction item (e.g., a purchase priceassociated with the good).

Only a device possessing control over the secure first pendingtransaction may modify the secure first pending transaction. The securefirst pending transaction includes a header section and a transactionsection. The header section includes routing identifiers and commoninformation for a block of the transaction (e.g., security information,a hash of the block, etc.). The transaction section includes specificcontent associated with unique aspects of the secure first pendingtransaction (e.g., the identity of the transaction item, theauthenticated value of the transaction item, and security informationfor the transaction). The security information for the transactionincludes a signature over the transaction section utilizing a privatekey of the device in control of the transaction and a public key of anext designated device to have the control over the transaction. In anembodiment, the header section and the transaction section for the blockis arranged as previously discussed with reference to FIG. 9D.

The securely passing process includes obtaining control as either anoriginator of the first pending transaction and being authorized as topossess control from a current entity that possesses the control. Thecurrent owner includes a public key of the next owner in the transactionsection of the block and generates the signature over the transactionsection utilizing both the private key of the current owner device andthe public key of the next owner device as discussed in greater detailwith reference to FIG. 9D.

The obtaining, in accordance with the securely passing process, thecontrol over the secure first pending transaction includes a series ofsub-steps. A first sub-step includes the asset module 30 of thecomputing entity 21 receiving an indication of the control over thesecure first pending transaction from the requesting computing entity.For example, the asset module 30 receives a purchase adjustment request600-1 from the computing entity 20-1, where the purchase adjustmentrequest 600-number one includes the secure first pending transactionthat includes the private key associated with the computing entity 20-1.

A second sub-step includes establishing the identity of the computingentity to have control over the secure first pending transaction. Forexample, the asset module 30 modifies the secure first pendingtransaction to include the identity of the computing entity 21 as havingthe control over the secure first pending transaction.

In another embodiment, the asset module 30 selects the first purchaseadjustment request 600-1 of a multitude of purchase adjustment requests600-1 through 600-N with regards to the secure first pending transactionassociated with a first consumer of a multitude of consumers. The firstpurchase adjustment request 600-1 includes first preliminary adjustmentoption selections (e.g., simple rebate in 90 days, a desired discountlevel, a desired payment scheme). A first payer of a multitude of payersis associated with at least one component of the first pending purchasetransaction. For example, a big-ticket item (e.g., as indicated by theidentity of the transaction item) of the first pending purchasetransaction is an item provided by the first payer to the associatedretailer for sale to the first consumer.

The asset module 30 selects the first purchase adjustment request 600-1based on one or more of matching the big-ticket item of the firstpending purchase transaction to the first payer, determining that thebig-ticket item is associated with a purchase price greater than aminimum purchase price wrestled level, and determining that thebig-ticket item is likely to be eligible for a purchase adjustment. Thepurchase adjustment includes one or more of a rebate (e.g., a portion ofthe purchase price is returned to the first consumer), an instantdiscount (e.g., the price of the big-ticket item is reduced right away),and a custom payment plan (e.g., four equal payments over 4 timeperiods, ramping payments over several time periods, etc.).

The purchase adjustment request 600-1 further includes one or more of anidentifier of the point of purchase provider (e.g., retailer, etc.), anidentifier of the consumer, and a list of items and quantitiesassociated with the purchase request. In an embodiment, the purchaseadjustment request further includes an identifier of one or more payersknown to be associated with one or more of the items of the list ofitems, indications of specific items of the list of items that are knownto be eligible for a purchase adjustment, and an indication of a desiredpurchase adjustment (e.g., rebate versus discount now versus a custompayment plan, or a combination thereof).

Having selected the first purchase adjustment request, the example ofoperation of the creating the contingent asset for conversion into theinstant asset at the point of purchase further includes a second stepwhere the computing entity 21 determines a set of candidate contingentassets for the secure first pending transaction based the identity ofthe transaction item, the identity of the requesting computing entity,and the authenticated value of the transaction item. Each candidatecontingent asset of the set of candidate contingent assets includes aproposed unique smart contract between the identifier of the requestingcomputing entity and an identifier of a provider of the proposed uniquesmart contract.

The determining the set of candidate contingent assets for the securefirst pending transaction based the identity of the transaction item,the identity of the requesting computing entity, and the authenticatedvalue of the transaction item includes a variety of approaches. A firstapproach includes, when utilizing the identity of the transaction item,identifying a subset of the set of candidate contingent assets based onthe identity of the transaction item and the authenticated value of thetransaction item. For example, the asset module 30 of the computingentity 21 interprets an asset establishment message 602 from thecomputing entity 25-1 (e.g., a payer associated with the transactionitem) to identify one or more candidate contingent assets associatedwith the transaction item. For instance, the asset module 30 identifiesone or more rebate programs from the manufacturer of a refrigerator whenthe refrigerator is the transaction item and stores such information ascontingency information 202 and the contingency asset database 34.

A second approach includes, when utilizing the identity of therequesting computing entity, a first sub-step that includes the assetmodule 30 determining a transaction profile for the identity of therequesting computing entity. The transaction profile includes, for theidentity of the requesting computing entity, a history of purchases, aparticipation history in previous rebate programs, overall purchasingpatterns, and demographics of an individual associated with the identityof the requesting computing entity.

A second sub-step of the second approach includes the asset module 30identifying another subset of the set of candidate contingent assetsbased on the profile for the identity of the requesting computingentity. For example, the asset module 30 matches characteristics of theprofile for the identity of the requesting computing entity tocharacteristics of the other subset of the set of candidate contingentassets from further asset establishment message is 602 from thecomputing entity 25-1.

Alternatively, or in addition to, when determining the set of candidatecontingent assets, the asset module 30 establishes a first contingentasset 604 with the first payer in accordance with the first preliminaryadjustment option selections as illustrated in the risk chart of FIG.17B. The first contingent asset 604 assigns a potential first liabilityof the first payer to the first consumer associated with the firstpurchase adjustment request. At least a portion of the potential firstliability is to be paid by the first payer to the first consumer inaccordance with contingency information of the first contingent assetand subsequent to completion of a first asset lifecycle of the firstcontingent asset as illustrated in FIG. 17B.

The establishing of the first contingent asset 604 includes exchangingasset establishment message 602 with the computing entity 25-1associated with the first payer. For example, the asset module 30 issuesa first asset establishment message to the computing entity 25-1 thatincludes the first purchase adjustment request 600-1. The computingentity 25-1 issues a second asset establishment message to the computingentity 21 that includes the first contingent asset 604. For instance,the computing entity 25-1 temporarily assigns the first consumer as therecipient of a 90 day rebate associated with the big-ticket item of thepurchase adjustment request when the big-ticket item is associated withthe first payer and is eligible for the rebate. The computing entity20-1 and/or the computing entity 21 may place a temporary hold on acredit card associated with the first consumer to guarantee completionof the rebate process. In an embodiment, the computing entity thatcreates the first contingent asset also creates the blockchain recordfor the first contingent asset.

FIG. 17C further illustrates the example method of operation of thecreating the contingent asset for conversion into the instant asset atthe point of purchase, where, having established the set of candidatecontingent assets, a third step of the example method includes thecomputing entity 21 facilitating selection of at least one candidatecontingent asset of the set of candidate contingent assets utilizing anasset selection approach to produce a set of selected contingent assets.The facilitating the selection of the at least one candidate contingentasset of the set of candidate contingent assets utilizing the assetselection approach to produce the set of selected contingent assetsincludes a variety of approaches.

A first approach includes, when the asset selection approach includes auser selection, a first sub-step that includes ranking an estimatedbenefit to an entity associated with the identity of the requestingcomputing entity for each candidate contingent asset of the set ofcandidate contingent assets to produce an estimated benefit ranking. Forexample, the asset module 30 of the computing entity 21 analyzes eachcontingent asset to determine the estimated benefit (e.g., overallvalue) for an individual associated with the identity of the requestingcomputing entity. For instance, when Fred is buying a new refrigeratorand there are two rebate programs for that refrigerator, the benefit isestimated for each rebate program for Fred based on peculiarities of therebate programs with regards to Fred (e.g., affinity award points forFred, an extra amount included in the rebate since it is Fred, etc.).

A second sub-step of the first approach includes obtaining the userselection of the of the at least one candidate contingent asset inresponse to the estimated benefit ranking to produce the set of selectedcontingent assets. For example, the asset module 30 of the computingentity 21 receives a first authenticity indicator 204 from the computingentity 25-1 to verify rebate programs associated with the secure firstpending transaction that are available. The asset module 30 interprets auser selection 205 from the computing entity 20-1 to identify the atleast one candidate contingent asset in response to a selection requestfrom the asset module 30 that includes the estimated benefit ranking.

A first sub-step of a second approach includes, when the asset selectionapproach includes a ranked evaluation, evaluating a potential for eachcandidate contingent asset of the set of candidate contingent assets toproduce a potential ranking. For example, the asset module 30 of thecomputing entity 21 computes the potential for each candidate contingentasset more broadly for any individual that may utilize each contingentasset to produce the potential ranking (e.g., by value of the candidatecontingent asset).

A second sub-step of the second approach includes selecting the at leastone candidate contingent asset based on the potential ranking to producethe set of selected contingent assets. For example, the asset module 30automatically selects a top-ranked (e.g., most value) candidate assetfrom the set of candidate contingent assets to identify the at least onecandidate contingent asset.

Alternatively, or in addition to, the facilitating of the selection ofthe at least one candidate contingent asset further includes basing theselection on asset risk level. The utilization of the asset risk levelincludes the asset module 30 determining whether a first asset risklevel of a first contingent asset is greater than a contingency riskthreshold level. The determining includes one or more of obtaining risklevels of relevant attributes, calculating the first asset risk levelbased on the risk levels of the relevant attributes, and comparing thefirst asset risk level to the contingency risk threshold level. Forexample, the asset module 30 obtains the risk levels of the relevantattributes to include risks associated with the payer, the consumer, thetype of asset, parameters of the purchase request, and status of thecontingent asset by interpreting a first authenticity indicator 204 fromthe computing entity 25-1 on behalf of the payer (e.g., contingentversus noncontingent and lifecycle status as illustrated in FIG. 17D).

As a further example, the asset module 30 maps the risk levels of therelevant attributes to the first asset risk level for comparison to thecontingency risk threshold level to determine that the first asset risklevel is greater than the contingency risk threshold level. As yetanother example, the asset module 30 indicates that the first asset risklevel is greater than the contingency risk threshold level when theblockchain record of the first contingent asset indicates that the payerhas not approved the potential liability yet.

When the first asset risk level of the first contingent asset is greaterthan the contingency risk threshold level, the alternative examplemethod of operation further includes the computing entity 21 determiningfirst preliminary instant asset terms 606 for utilization of the firstcontingent asset 604 as a first instant asset to support the securefirst pending transaction based on the first preliminary adjustmentoptions, the first contingent asset, and the first asset risk level. Thefirst preliminary instant asset terms 606 includes one or more of aninstant discount level, a payment scheme (e.g., payment time periods,payment levels), expected contingency asset payout information, andcontingency information 202 of the first contingent asset 604. Forexample, the asset module 30 generates the first preliminary instantasset terms 606 to include a maximum instant discount when the firstpreliminary adjustment options of the purchase adjustment requestindicated a desire for an instant discount.

FIG. 17E further illustrates the example method of operation of thecreating the contingent asset for conversion into the instant asset atthe point of purchase, where, having selected the at least one candidatecontingent asset, the method further includes the computing entity 21generating a non-fungible token (NFT) in accordance with the securelypassing process to represent a corresponding set of smart contracts ofthe set of selected contingent assets in the object distributed ledger.The NFT includes the secure first pending transaction.

The generating the NFT in accordance with the securely passing processto represent the corresponding set of smart contracts of the set ofselected contingent assets in the object distributed ledger includesdetermining whether to indirectly or directly update the objectdistributed ledger. For example, the computing entity 21 determines toindirectly update the object distributed ledger when the computingentity 21 does not have a satisfactory direct access to the objectdistributed ledger (e.g., the computing entity 21 does not serve as ablockchain node). As another example, the computing entity 21 determinesto directly update the object distributed ledger when a predeterminationstored in the contingent asset database 34 indicates to directly accessthe object distributed ledger when possible (e.g., a copy of theblockchain is stored in the contingent asset database 34 of thecomputing entity 21).

When indirectly updating the object distributed ledger, the causing thegeneration includes the computing entity 21 issuing a non-fungible tokengeneration request to an object ledger computing entity of the computingsystem serving as a blockchain node of the object distributed ledger.The non-fungible token generation request includes the set of smartcontracts of the set of selected contingent assets. For example, thecomputing entity 21 issues a first contingent asset blockchain record300 to the computing entity 23-1, where the first contingent assetblockchain record 300 includes the original request and the set of smartcontracts. In response, the computing entity 23-1 adds a newnon-fungible token listing to the object distributed ledger (e.g., asillustrated by FIGS. 9B and 9C).

When directly updating the object distributed ledger, the causing thegeneration includes the computing entity 21 performing a series ofsub-steps previously discussed in FIG. 9D and as also discussed in FIG.9K. A first sub-step includes obtaining a copy of the object distributedledger. For example, the computing entity 21 extracts the objectdistributed ledger from a message from computing entity 23-1 (e.g.,acting as a blockchain node). As another example, the computing entity21 recovers the object distributed ledger from the contingent assetdatabase 34.

A second sub-step includes hashing the set of smart contracts utilizinga receiving public key of the object distributed ledger to produce anext transaction hash value. For example, the computing entity 21obtains a suitable receiving public key (e.g., from a current version ofthe blockchain, from a blockchain node, from the computing entity 23-1,from a computing entity to be next in control) and performs the hashingfunction to produce the next transaction hash value.

A third sub-step includes encrypting the next transaction hash valueutilizing a private key of the computing entity 21 to produce a nexttransaction signature. For example, the computing entity 21 recovers aprivate key associated with the computing entity 21 and utilizes therecovered private key to encrypt the next transaction hash value toproduce the next transaction signature.

A fourth sub-step includes generating a next block of a blockchain ofthe object distributed ledger to include the set of smart contracts andthe next transaction signature. For example, the computing entity 21generates the next block as previously discussed with regards to FIG. 9Dto include the set of smart contracts and the next transactionsignature.

A fifth sub-step includes causing inclusion of the next block as thenon-fungible token in the object distributed ledger. For example, thecomputing entity 21 appends the next block of the blockchain in theobject distributed ledger as previously discussed with reference to FIG.9D to update the object distributed ledger as illustrated in FIGS. 9Band 9C.

Alternatively, when the first contingent asset risk level of the firstcontingent asset is less than the contingency risk threshold level, theexample method of operation includes the computing entity 21establishing the set of contingent asset available terms for thecorresponding set of portions of the first contingent asset to includethe set of first contingent asset available terms and a non-contingentstatus. The example method of operation further includes the computingentity 21 causing generation of the non-fungible token to represent theset of first smart contracts in the object distributed ledger aspreviously discussed.

Having generated the first contingent asset blockchain record 300 as theNFT, a fifth step of the example method further includes the computingentity 21 securely passing control over the NFT via the objectdistributed ledger when the NFT is selected to complete the secure firstpending transaction. For example, the computing entity 21 receives anindication that the contingent asset of the newly created NFT on theblockchain is to be utilized for conversion into an instant asset tofacilitate completion of the secure first pending transaction. Afterreceiving the indication, the computing entity 21 identifies a computingentity associated with the completion of the transaction to turnovercontrol of the NFT. The computing entity 21 generates another block forthe blockchain as discussed with reference to FIG. 9D to completepassing of the control to the identified computing entity associatedwith the completion of the transaction.

In an alternative embodiment, the computing entity 21 determines firstpreliminary instant asset terms and generates the first contingent assetblockchain record 300 for the first contingent asset to be utilized asthe first instant asset in accordance with first preliminary instantasset terms. For example the asset module 30 generates instant assetcontent to include the first preliminary instant asset terms andgenerates the first contingent asset blockchain record 300 as describedin FIG. 9K for the instant asset content.

Having generated the first contingent asset blockchain encoded recordfor the first contingent asset to be utilized as the first instantasset, the example of operation of the creating the contingent asset forconversion into the instant asset at the point of purchase furtherincludes the computing entity 21 publishing availability of the firstcontingent asset utilizing the first contingent asset blockchain record300 as illustrated in FIG. 17F. For example, the asset module 30 sendsthe first contingent asset blockchain encoded record 300 to a pluralityof other computing entities 23-1 through 23-N. As another example, theasset module 30 sends the first contingent asset blockchain record 300to another process within the computing entity 21 (e.g., where andexchange process subsequently purchases the contingent asset forsupporting utilization of the instant asset).

The method described above in conjunction with a processing module ofany computing entity of the computing system 10 can alternatively beperformed by other modules of the computing system 10 of FIG. 1 or byother devices. In addition, at least one memory section that isnon-transitory (e.g., a non-transitory computer readable storage medium,a non-transitory computer readable memory organized into a first memoryelement, a second memory element, a third memory element, a fourthelement section, a fifth memory element, a sixth memory element, etc.)that stores operational instructions can, when executed by one or moreprocessing modules of the one or more computing entities of thecomputing system 10, cause one or more computing devices of thecomputing system 10 to perform any or all of the method steps describedabove.

FIGS. 18A-18F are schematic block diagrams of another embodiment of acomputing system and a contingent asset risk chart illustrating anexample of executing a sale of a contingent asset for conversion into aninstant asset at a point of purchase. The computing system includescomputing entities 20-1 through 20-N of FIG. 1 , the computing entity 21of FIG. 1 , computing entities 23-1 through 23-N of FIG. 1 , and thecomputing entity 25-1 of FIG. 1 . In an embodiment, the computingentities 20-1 through 20-N are associated with a multitude of consumersin a point of purchase scenario.

FIG. 18A illustrates an example method of operation of the executing thesale of the contingent asset for conversion into the instant asset atthe point of purchase, where a first step includes the computing entity21 indicating availability of a first contingent asset for subsequentutilization as a first instant asset to one or more other computingentities utilizing a first contingent asset blockchain encoded record300 for the first contingent asset. The subsequent utilization as thefirst instant asset supports a first purchase adjustment request of amultitude of purchase adjustment requests with regards to a firstpending purchase transaction associated with a first consumer of amultitude of consumers. A first payer of a multitude of payers isassociated with at least one component of the first pending purchasetransaction. The first contingent asset assigns a potential firstliability of the first payer to the first consumer associated with thefirst contingent asset. At least a portion of the potential firstliability is to be paid by the first payer to the first consumer inaccordance with contingency information 202 of the first contingentasset and subsequent to completion of a first asset lifecycle of thefirst contingent asset as illustrated with regards to FIG. 18B. Firstpreliminary instant asset terms of the first contingent asset blockchainencoded record specify the subsequent utilization of the firstcontingent asset as the first instant asset to support the first pendingpurchase transaction.

The indicating of the availability of the first contingent assetincludes the asset module 30 sending the first contingent assetblockchain record 300 to the computing entities 23-1 through 23-N (e.g.,buyers). The indicating of the availability of the first contingentasset further includes identifying one or more computing entities totarget solicitation of purchasing the first contingent asset. Forexample, identifying computing entity 23-1 as a most likely computingentity to purchase the first contingent asset when the computing entity23-1 has historically purchased contingent assets for conversion toinstant assets.

Having indicated the availability of the first contingent asset, asecond step of the example method of operation of the executing the saleof the contingent asset for conversion into the instant asset at thepoint of purchase includes the computing entity 21 obtaining a set ofcontingent asset purchase requests 244 from one or more of the othercomputing entities. The set of contingent asset purchase requests 244includes a first contingent asset purchase request 246 with regards abid for the first contingent asset. A bid includes first offered instantasset terms based on the first preliminary instant asset terms. The setof contingent asset purchase requests are generated within a purchasetimeframe as illustrated in FIG. 18B. The first offered instant assetterms includes one or more of a discount range, a payment plan approach,payment plan values (e.g., how much to be paid when), guaranteesrequired (e.g., a hold on a credit card of the consumer for an amountcomparable to value of the instant asset), and a time frame of validityof the purchase request.

FIG. 18C further illustrates the example method of operation of theexecuting the sale of the contingent asset for conversion into theinstant asset at the point of purchase, where, having obtained the firstcontingent asset purchase request 246, a third step of the examplemethod includes the computing entity 21 determining whether to approvethe first contingent asset purchase request 246 based on a comparison ofthe first offered instant asset terms to the first preliminary instantasset terms and a first asset risk level of the first contingent assetas illustrated in FIG. 18D. The determining whether to approve the firstcontingent asset purchase request is based on one or more of identifyinga difference in terms, a listed price, a bid price, a history of bid-askspreads, a history of other acceptances of a set of purchase requests, acomparison to other instant assets of a buyer associated with thepurchase request, and an impact to one or more contingent assetportfolios. For example, the asset module 30 determines to approve thefirst contingent asset purchase request 246 when the bid price for thefirst contingent asset for conversion is greater than a minimum requiredbid price and an assessment of the risk is less than a maximum riskthreshold level for conversion.

Having determined to approve the first contingent asset purchaserequest, a fourth step of the example method of operation of theexecuting the sale of the contingent asset for conversion into theinstant asset at the point of purchase includes the computing entity 21obtaining payment for purchase of the first contingent asset from thefirst buyer associated with the first contingent asset purchase request246. For example, the asset module 30 obtains purchase information 248from the computing entity 23-1, where the purchase information 248includes payment enabling information. For instance, the purchaseinformation 248 includes a blockchain payment message includinginformation to complete payment.

FIG. 18E further illustrates the example method of operation of theexecuting the sale of the contingent asset for conversion into theinstant asset at the point of purchase, where, having obtained thepayment for the purchase of the first contingent asset, a fifth step ofthe example method includes the computing entity 21 determining firstfinal instant asset terms 620 for utilization of the first contingentasset as the first instant asset. The asset module 30 determines thefirst final instant asset terms 620 based on one or more of the firstoffered instant asset terms and the first preliminary instant assetterms and utilizing a terms rationalization approach. The termsrationalization approach includes, selecting one term or another,averaging terms, and ranking terms for selection of terms ranked high orlow. For example, the asset module 30 determines the first final instantasset terms 620 to include exactly the terms offered by the buyer whenthe terms rationalization approach indicates to utilize offered termswhen the offer terms are within acceptable ranges included in the firstpreliminary instant asset terms.

Having determined the first final instant asset terms 620, a sixth stepof the example method of operation of the executing the sale of thecontingent asset for conversion into the instant asset at the point ofpurchase includes the computing entity 21 updating first contingentasset blockchain encoded record 300 to indicate reassignment of thepotential first liability of the first contingent asset from the firstconsumer to an entity associated with the first buyer of the firstcontingent asset purchase request and to indicate availability for thesubsequent utilization of the first contingent asset as the firstinstant asset by the first consumer in accordance with the first finalinstant asset terms 620 as illustrated in FIG. 18F. For example, theasset module 30 modifies the content and security aspects of the firstcontingent asset blockchain record 300 as discussed with reference toFIG. 9K. In an example, the entity associated with the first buyer isthe first computing entity 23-1. In another example, the entityassociated with the first buyer is the computing entity 21 when theexchange is to purchase the first contingent asset for conversion to theinstant access.

The method described above in conjunction with a processing module ofany computing entity of the computing system 10 can alternatively beperformed by other modules of the computing system 10 of FIG. 1 or byother devices. In addition, at least one memory section that isnon-transitory (e.g., a non-transitory computer readable storage medium,a non-transitory computer readable memory organized into a first memoryelement, a second memory element, a third memory element, a fourthelement section, a fifth memory element, a sixth memory element, etc.)that stores operational instructions can, when executed by one or moreprocessing modules of the one or more computing entities of thecomputing system 10, cause one or more computing devices of thecomputing system 10 to perform any or all of the method steps describedabove.

FIGS. 18G-18H are schematic block diagrams of an embodiment of acomputing system illustrating an example of securely converting acontingent asset into an instant asset at a point of purchase. Thecomputing system includes computing entities 20-1 through 20-N of FIG. 1, the computing entity 21 of FIG. 1 , computing entities 23-1 through23-N of FIG. 1 , and the computing entity 25-1 of FIG. 1 . In anembodiment, the computing entities 20-1 through 20-N are associated witha multitude of consumers in a point of purchase scenario.

FIG. 18G illustrates an example method of operation of the securelyconverting the contingent asset into the instant asset at the point ofpurchase, where a first step includes the computing entity 21 generatinga secure first token 802 in accordance with a securely passing processto represent utilization of a selected contingent asset for a firstpending transaction associated with a transaction item. For example, theasset module 30 of the computing entity 21, in response to point ofpurchase information 804 from the computing entity 20-1 (e.g., in anexample where the computing entity 20-1 is utilized by a first consumerperforming a point of purchase of the transaction item within the firstpending transaction), wraps a contingent asset (e.g., a rebate offeredby a payer associated with the computing entity 25-1) into a block of ablockchain, stored, from time to time, as blockchain information 800 inthe contingent asset database 34, as discussed with reference to FIG.9K. In an embodiment, block of the blockchain is securely stored in anobject distributed ledger maintained by one or more of the computingentities 23-1 through 23-N as illustrated in FIG. 18G as block 1.

The point of purchase information 804 includes one or more of a firstpending transaction identifier, a secure first token identifier, aselected contingent asset identifier, identity of the computing entity20-1 (e.g., a requesting computing entity), and an identity of thetransaction item. The selection and generation of the contingent assetis discussed in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 17A-17F.

Having generated the secure first token, either currently as describedabove or previously and placed on the blockchain, a second step of theexample method of operation includes the computing entity 21 obtaining,in accordance with a securely passing process, control over the securefirst token 802 representing a first pending transaction associated withthe transaction item. The secure first token 802 includes a set of smartcontracts of the first pending transaction (e.g., rebate terms betweenparties as previously discussed). The set of smart contracts pertains toa selected contingent asset of a set of candidate contingent assets forthe first pending transaction. The secure first pending transactionincludes identity of the transaction item, identity of a requestingcomputing entity, identity of the computing entity, and an authenticatedvalue of the transaction item. The selected contingent asset assigns apotential first liability of a first payer identifier (ID) to a firstowner ID associated with the selected contingent asset. Only a devicepossessing control over the secure first token may modify the securefirst token.

The obtaining, in accordance with the securely passing process, thecontrol over the secure first token includes a series of sub-steps. Afirst sub-step includes receiving an indication of the control over thesecure first token from the requesting computing entity. For example,the computing entity 21 receives the secure first token 802 from thecomputing entity 23-1 with an indication that the computing entity 21 isto take control of the secure first token. A second sub-step includesestablishing the identity of the computing entity to have control overthe secure first token. For example, the computing entity 21 notifiesthe computing entity 23-1 to establish the control with computing entity21 as discussed in greater detail with reference to FIG. 9K.

FIG. 18H further illustrates the example method of operation of thesecurely converting the contingent asset into the instant asset at thepoint of purchase, where, having obtained control over the secure firsttoken, a third step of the example method includes the computing entity21 obtaining, in accordance with an instant asset selection approach, aselection of a first instant asset of a set of candidate instant assetsthat may be utilized to subsequently provide conversion of the selectedcontingent asset to complete the first pending transaction. At least onecandidate instant asset of the set of candidate instant assets pertainsto satisfying a portion of another liability associated with adelinquently paying consumer to the first payer ID (e.g., the purchaserhas an option to donate a portion of rebate value associated with thecontingent asset to an anonymous person that is behind in paying theirelectric bill when the first payer ID is the electric company).

The instant asset selection approach includes a user selection and arank evaluation. The user selection allows the purchaser to select froma series of alternatives to convert the contingent asset to an instantasset. Examples of the set of candidate instant assets includes aninstant rebate now, a gift card, an extended warranty from amanufacturer associated with the transaction item, affinity points witha retail chain associated with the purchase or with the manufacturer ofthe transaction item, a donation to one or more individuals or entities(e.g., the anonymous person behind in paying their electric bill), and acombination of any selections.

The obtaining the selection of the first instant asset of the set ofcandidate instant assets includes a series of sub-steps for theselection approach scenarios of the user selection and the rankevaluation. When the instant asset selection approach includes the userselection, a first sub-step includes ranking an estimated benefit to anentity associated with the identity of the requesting computing entityfor each candidate instant asset of the set of candidate instant assetsto produce an estimated benefit ranking. For example, the asset module30 of the computing entity 21 identifies the set of candidate instantassets (e.g., a list, receive, determine for the purchaser, etc.) andevaluates upside for the purchaser for each of the candidate instantassets.

A second sub-step includes identifying the at least one candidateinstant asset of the set of candidate instant assets that pertains tosatisfying a portion of another liability associate with a delinquentlypaying consumer to the first payer ID. For example, the asset module 30of the computing entity 21 obtains candidate instant asset 806 thatincludes a list of consumers that are behind in paying their electricbill from the computing entity 25-1.

A third sub-step includes obtaining the user selection of the of thefirst instant asset in response to at least one of the estimated benefitranking and the identifying of the at least one candidate instant assetof the set of candidate instant assets that pertains to satisfying theportion of another liability associated with the delinquently payingconsumer to the first payer ID to produce the selection of the firstinstant asset of the set of candidate instant assets. For example, theasset module 30 receives a user selection 808 that includesidentification of the first instant asset.

When the instant asset selection approach includes the rank evaluation,a first sub-step includes evaluating a potential for each candidateinstant asset of the set of candidate instant assets to produce apotential ranking. For example, the asset module 30 of the computingentity 21 calculates a benefit for the purchaser for each of thecandidate instant assets.

A second sub-step includes selecting the first instant asset based onthe potential ranking to produce the selection of the first instantasset of the set of candidate instant assets. For example, the assetmodule 30 selects a candidate instant asset associated with the bestbenefit to the purchaser.

Having selected the first instant asset, a fourth step of the examplemethod of operation includes generating an updated secure first token810 in accordance with the securely passing process, as discussed withreference to FIG. 9K, to represent the selection of the first instantasset to subsequently provide the conversion of the selected contingentasset to complete the first pending transaction. The generating theupdated secure first token in accordance with the securely passingprocess to represent the selection of the first instant asset includes aseries of sub-steps.

A first sub-step includes determining whether to indirectly or directlyupdate an object distributed ledger as previously discussed (e.g.,directly update the blockchain or request that the computing entity 23-1update the blockchain). When indirectly updating the object distributedledger, a second sub-step includes issuing a secure first token updaterequest to an object ledger computing entity of the computing systemserving as a blockchain node of the object distributed ledger. Thesecure first token update request includes an updated set of smartcontracts of the first pending transaction based on the first instantasset. For example, the asset module 30 of the computing entity 21issues the secure first token update request to the computing entity23-1 that is serving as the blockchain node.

When directly updating the object distributed ledger, the secondsub-step includes obtaining a copy of the object distributed ledger(e.g., the asset module 30 recovers blockchain information 800 from thecontingent asset database 34). A third sub-step includes hashing theupdated set of smart contracts utilizing a receiving public key of theobject distributed ledger to produce a next transaction hash value. Forexample, the asset module 30 hashes the updated set of smart contractsutilizing a public key of the computing entity 23-1 to produce the nexttransaction hash value. A fourth sub-step includes encrypting the nexttransaction hash value utilizing a private key of the computing entityto produce a next transaction signature. For example, the asset module30 encrypts the next transaction hash value utilizing the private key ofthe computing entity 21 to produce the next transaction signature. Afifth sub-step includes generating a next block of a blockchain of theobject distributed ledger to include the updated set of smart contractsand the next transaction signature. For example, the asset module 30generates the updated secure first token 810 to include the updated setof smart contracts and the next transaction signature. A sixth sub-stepincludes causing inclusion of the next block as the updated secure firsttoken in the object distributed ledger. For example, the asset module 30updates the blockchain as discussed with reference to FIG. 9K to includethe updated secure token 810 represented in FIG. 18H as block 1-1.

Having generated the updated secure first token, a fifth step of theexample method of operation includes securely passing control over theupdated secure first token via the obj ect distributed ledger when thesecure first token is processed to complete the first pendingtransaction. For example, the asset module 30 modifies the content andsecurity aspects of updated secure first token 810 as discussed withreference to FIG. 9K. The method described above in conjunction with aprocessing module of any computing entity of the computing system 10 canalternatively be performed by other modules of the computing system 10of FIG. 1 or by other devices. In addition, at least one memory sectionthat is non-transitory (e.g., a non-transitory computer readable storagemedium, a non-transitory computer readable memory organized into a firstmemory element, a second memory element, a third memory element, afourth element section, a fifth memory element, a sixth memory element,etc.) that stores operational instructions can, when executed by one ormore processing modules of the one or more computing entities of thecomputing system 10, cause one or more computing devices of thecomputing system 10 to perform any or all of the method steps describedabove.

FIGS. 19A-19D are schematic block diagrams of another embodiment of acomputing system and a contingent asset risk chart illustrating anexample of utilizing a contingent asset for conversion into an instantasset at a point of purchase. The computing system includes computingentities 20-1 through 20-N of FIG. 1 , the computing entity 21 of FIG. 1, computing entities 23-1 through 23-N of FIG. 1 , and the computingentity 25-1 of FIG. 1 . In an embodiment, the computing entities 20-1through 20-N are associated with a multitude of consumers in a point ofpurchase scenario.

FIG. 19A illustrates an example method of operation of the utilizing thecontingent asset for conversion into the instant asset at the point ofpurchase, where a first step includes the computing entity 21 validatinga first contingent asset blockchain encoded record 300 for utilizationof a first contingent asset as a first instant asset to support a firstpurchase adjustment request of a multitude of purchase adjustmentrequests with regards to a first pending purchase transaction associatedwith a first consumer of a multitude of consumers. A first payer of amultitude of payers is associated with at least one component of thefirst pending purchase transaction. The first contingent asset assigns apotential first liability of the first payer to an owner entitycurrently associated with the first contingent asset. At least a portionof the potential first liability is to be paid by the first payer to theowner entity in accordance with contingency information of the firstcontingent asset and subsequent to completion of a first asset lifecycleof the first contingent asset as illustrated with regards to FIG. 19B.First final instant asset terms 620 of the first contingent assetblockchain encoded record 300 specify the subsequent utilization of thefirst contingent asset as the first instant asset to support the firstpending purchase transaction.

The validating of the first contingent asset blockchain encoded record300 includes the asset module 30 validating security aspects of theblockchain itself as discussed with FIG. 9K. The validating furtherincludes verifying that the owner entity owns the first contingent asset(e.g., validating an ownership portion of the first contingent assetblockchain encoded record 300). The validating further includesverifying that the first final instant asset terms comply with aninstant asset utilization approach (e.g., terms are within acceptableranges for all parties).

Having determined the first final instant asset terms 620, a second stepof the example method of operation of the utilizing the contingent assetfor conversion into the instant asset at the point of purchase includesthe computing entity 21 updating the first final instant asset termsbased on the first final instant asset terms 620 and an instant assetutilization approach as illustrated in FIG. 19B. For example, the assetmodule 30 queries the first consumer to obtain any final allowed changesto the first final instant asset terms. As another example, the assetmodule 30 applies a final application of the instant asset to a discountand/or one or more payments of the terms.

FIG. 19C further illustrates the example method of operation of theutilizing the contingent asset for conversion into the instant asset atthe point of purchase, where, having updated the first final instantasset terms 620, a third step of the example method includes thecomputing entity 21 updating the first contingent asset blockchainencoded record 300 with the first final instant asset terms 620utilizing updated first final instant asset terms when the updated firstfinal instant asset terms are different than the first final instantasset terms as illustrated in FIG. 19D. For example, the asset module 30extracts terms content from the first contingent asset blockchainencoded record 300, modifies the content in accordance with the updatedfirst final instant asset terms, and recalculates security aspects ofthe blockchain to update the first contingent asset blockchain record300.

Having updated the first contingent asset blockchain record 300, asecond step of the example method of operation of the utilizing thecontingent asset for conversion into the instant asset at the point ofpurchase includes the computing entity 21 facilitating completion of thefirst pending purchase transaction utilizing the first instant asset ofthe first contingent asset blockchain encoded record. The first pendingpurchase transaction is executed in accordance with the first finalinstant asset terms. The facilitating completion of the first pendingpurchase transaction includes exchanging transaction completion message640 with the computing entity 20-1 associated with the first purchaser.For example, the asset module 30 applies a discount to the pendingpurchase transaction when a discount is included in the first finalinstant asset terms and sends an associated transaction completionmessage 640 to the computing entity 20-1. As another example, the assetmodule 30 establishes a payment plan that includes payments and paymentdates associated with the payments in accordance with the first finalinstant asset terms and issues a corresponding transaction completionmessage 640 to the computing entity 20-1.

The method described above in conjunction with a processing module ofany computing entity of the computing system 10 can alternatively beperformed by other modules of the computing system 10 of FIG. 1 or byother devices. In addition, at least one memory section that isnon-transitory (e.g., a non-transitory computer readable storage medium,a non-transitory computer readable memory organized into a first memoryelement, a second memory element, a third memory element, a fourthelement section, a fifth memory element, a sixth memory element, etc.)that stores operational instructions can, when executed by one or moreprocessing modules of the one or more computing entities of thecomputing system 10, cause one or more computing devices of thecomputing system 10 to perform any or all of the method steps describedabove.

FIGS. 19E-19F are schematic block diagrams of an embodiment of acomputing system illustrating an example of updating a secure token of acontingent asset in accordance with the present invention. The computingsystem includes computing entities 20-1 through 20-N of FIG. 1 , thecomputing entity 21 of FIG. 1 , computing entities 23-1 through 23-N ofFIG. 1 , and the computing entity 25-1 of FIG. 1 . In an embodiment, thecomputing entities 20-1 through 20-N are associated with a multitude ofconsumers in a point of purchase scenario.

FIG. 19E illustrates an example method of operation of the updating thesecure token of the contingent asset, where a first step includes thecomputing entity 21 generating a secure first token 802 in accordancewith a securely passing process to represent utilization of a selectedcontingent asset for a first pending transaction associated with atransaction item. For example, the asset module 30 of the computingentity 21, in response to point of purchase information 804 from thecomputing entity 20-1 (e.g., in an example where the computing entity20-1 is utilized by a first consumer performing a point of purchase ofthe transaction item within the first pending transaction), wraps acontingent asset (e.g., a rebate offered by a payer associated with thecomputing entity 25-1) into a block of a blockchain, stored, from timeto time, as blockchain information 800 in the contingent asset database34, as discussed with reference to FIG. 9K. In an embodiment, a block ofthe blockchain is securely stored in an object distributed ledgermaintained by one or more of the computing entities 23-1 through 23-N asillustrated in FIG. 19E as block 1.

The point of purchase information 804 includes one or more of a firstpending transaction identifier, a secure first token identifier, aselected contingent asset identifier, identity of the computing entity20-1 (e.g., a requesting computing entity), and an identity of thetransaction item. The selection and generation of the contingent assetis discussed in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 17A-17F.

Having generated the secure first token, either currently as describedabove or previously and placed on the blockchain, a second step of theexample method of operation includes the computing entity 21 obtaining,in accordance with a securely passing process, control over the securefirst token 802 representing a first pending transaction associated withthe transaction item. The secure first token 802 includes a set of smartcontracts of the first pending transaction (e.g., rebate terms betweenparties as previously discussed). The set of smart contracts pertains toa selected contingent asset of a set of candidate contingent assets forthe first pending transaction. The secure first pending transactionincludes identity of the transaction item, identity of a requestingcomputing entity, identity of the computing entity, and an authenticatedvalue of the transaction item. The selected contingent asset assigns apotential first liability of a first payer identifier (ID) to a firstowner ID associated with the selected contingent asset. Only a devicepossessing control over the secure first token may modify the securefirst token.

The obtaining, in accordance with the securely passing process, thecontrol over the secure first token includes a series of sub-steps. Afirst sub-step includes receiving an indication of the control over thesecure first token from the requesting computing entity. For example,the computing entity 21 receives the secure first token 802 from thecomputing entity 23-1 with an indication that the computing entity 21 isto take control of the secure first token. A second sub-step includesestablishing the identity of the computing entity to have control overthe secure first token. For example, the computing entity 21 notifiesthe computing entity 23-1 to establish the control with computing entity21 as discussed in greater detail with reference to FIG. 9K.

FIG. 19F further illustrates the example method of operation of theupdating the secure token of the contingent asset, where, havingobtained control over the secure first token, a third step of theexample method includes the computing entity 21 determining, inaccordance with an instant asset determination approach, a set ofcandidate instant assets that may be utilized to subsequently provideconversion of the selected contingent asset to complete the firstpending transaction. The determining, in accordance with the instantasset determination approach, the set of candidate instant assets thatmay be utilized to subsequently provide conversion of the selectedcontingent asset to complete the first pending transaction includes aseries of sub-steps. A first sub-step includes, when the instant assetdetermination approach includes a ranked evaluation, identifyingpotential candidate instant assets based on the secure first token. Thepotential candidate instant assets includes one or more of an instantrebate now, a gift card, an extended warranty from a manufacturerassociated with the transaction item, affinity points with a retailerassociated with the pending first transaction, other affinity pointswith the manufacturer associated with the transaction item, a donationto one or more individuals, a donation to one or more entities, and apayment to satisfy a portion of another liability associated with adelinquently paying consumer to the first payer ID.

For example, the asset module 30 of the computing entity 21 interpretscandidate instant assets 806 from the computing entity 25-1 to producethe potential candidate instant assets. As another example, the assetmodule 30 recovers contingency information 202 from the contingent assetdatabase 34 to produce the potential candidate instant assets. As yetanother example, the asset module 30 identifies candidate instant assetsassociated with the identifier of the requesting entity (e.g., affinityprograms for the consumer at the point of sale).

A second sub-step includes ranking an estimated benefit to an entityassociated with the identity of the requesting computing entity for eachpotential candidate instant asset of the potential candidate instantassets to produce an estimated benefit ranking of a set of estimatedbenefit rankings. For example, the asset module 30 produces estimatedbenefits for each of the potential candidate instant assets asassociated with the consumer and rank orders the estimated benefits toproduce the set of estimated benefit rankings.

A third sub-step includes selecting the set of candidate instant assetsof the potential candidate instant assets based on the estimated benefitranking of the set of estimated benefit rankings. For example, the assetmodule 30 identifies potential candidate instant assets that are rankedthe highest (e.g., most beneficial to the consumer) to produce the setof candidate instant assets.

Having determined the set of candidate instant assets, a fourth step ofthe example method of operation includes obtaining, in accordance withan instant asset selection approach, a selection of a first subset ofinstant assets of the set of candidate instant assets to be utilized tosubsequently provide the conversion of the selected contingent asset tocomplete the first pending transaction. For example, the asset module 30of the computing entity 21 selects the subset of instant assets that arepotentially the most beneficial to the consumer. As another example, theasset module 30 interprets user selection 808 to identify the subset ofinstant assets as selected by the consumer.

Having selected the first subset of instant assets of the set ofcandidate instant assets, a fifth step of the example method ofoperation includes generating an updated secure first token 810 inaccordance with the securely passing process, as discussed withreference to FIG. 9K, to represent the selection of the first subset ofinstant assets to subsequently provide the conversion of the selectedcontingent asset to complete the first pending transaction. Thegenerating the updated secure first token in accordance with thesecurely passing process to represent the selection of the first subsetof instant assets includes a series of sub-steps.

A first sub-step includes determining whether to indirectly or directlyupdate an object distributed ledger as previously discussed (e.g.,directly update the blockchain or request that the computing entity 23-1update the blockchain). When indirectly updating the object distributedledger, a second sub-step includes issuing a secure first token updaterequest to an object ledger computing entity of the computing systemserving as a blockchain node of the object distributed ledger. Thesecure first token update request includes an updated set of smartcontracts of the first pending transaction based on the first subset ofinstant assets. For example, the asset module 30 of the computing entity21 issues an updated secure first token 810 as the secure first tokenupdate request to the computing entity 23-1 that is serving as theblockchain node.

When directly updating the object distributed ledger, the secondsub-step includes obtaining a copy of the object distributed ledger(e.g., the asset module 30 recovers blockchain information 800 from thecontingent asset database 34). A third sub-step includes hashing theupdated set of smart contracts utilizing a receiving public key of theobject distributed ledger to produce a next transaction hash value. Forexample, the asset module 30 hashes the updated set of smart contractsutilizing a public key of the computing entity 23-1 to produce the nexttransaction hash value. A fourth sub-step includes encrypting the nexttransaction hash value utilizing a private key of the computing entity21 to produce a next transaction signature. For example, the assetmodule 30 encrypts the next transaction hash value utilizing the privatekey of the computing entity 21 to produce the next transactionsignature.

A fifth sub-step includes generating a next block of a blockchain of theobject distributed ledger to include the updated set of smart contractsand the next transaction signature. For example, the asset module 30generates the updated secure first token 810 to include the updated setof smart contracts and the next transaction signature. A sixth sub-stepincludes causing inclusion of the next block as the updated secure firsttoken in the object distributed ledger. For example, the asset module 30updates the blockchain as discussed with reference to FIG. 9K to includethe updated secure token 810 represented in FIG. 19F as block 1-1.

Having generated the updated secure first token, a sixth step of theexample method of operation includes securely passing control over theupdated secure first token via the obj ect distributed ledger when thesecure first token is processed to complete the first pendingtransaction. For example, the asset module 30 modifies the content andsecurity aspects of updated secure first token 810 as discussed withreference to FIG. 9K.

The method described above in conjunction with a processing module ofany computing entity of the computing system 10 can alternatively beperformed by other modules of the computing system 10 of FIG. 1 or byother devices. In addition, at least one memory section that isnon-transitory (e.g., a non-transitory computer readable storage medium,a non-transitory computer readable memory organized into a first memoryelement, a second memory element, a third memory element, a fourthelement section, a fifth memory element, a sixth memory element, etc.)that stores operational instructions can, when executed by one or moreprocessing modules of the one or more computing entities of thecomputing system 10, cause one or more computing devices of thecomputing system 10 to perform any or all of the method steps describedabove.

It is noted that terminologies as may be used herein such as bit stream,stream, signal sequence, etc. (or their equivalents) have been usedinterchangeably to describe digital information whose contentcorresponds to any of a number of desired types (e.g., data, video,speech, text, graphics, audio, etc. any of which may generally bereferred to as 'data').

As may be used herein, the terms "substantially" and "approximately"provides an industry-accepted tolerance for its corresponding termand/or relativity between items. For some industries, anindustry-accepted tolerance is less than one percent and, for otherindustries, the industry-accepted tolerance is 10 percent or more. Otherexamples of industry-accepted tolerance range from less than one percentto fifty percent. Industry-accepted tolerances correspond to, but arenot limited to, component values, integrated circuit process variations,temperature variations, rise and fall times, thermal noise, dimensions,signaling errors, dropped packets, temperatures, pressures, materialcompositions, and/or performance metrics. Within an industry, tolerancevariances of accepted tolerances may be more or less than a percentagelevel (e.g., dimension tolerance of less than +/- 1%). Some relativitybetween items may range from a difference of less than a percentagelevel to a few percent. Other relativity between items may range from adifference of a few percent to magnitude of differences.

As may also be used herein, the term(s) "configured to", "operablycoupled to", "coupled to", and/or "coupling" includes direct couplingbetween items and/or indirect coupling between items via an interveningitem (e.g., an item includes, but is not limited to, a component, anelement, a circuit, and/or a module) where, for an example of indirectcoupling, the intervening item does not modify the information of asignal but may adjust its current level, voltage level, and/or powerlevel. As may further be used herein, inferred coupling (i.e., where oneelement is coupled to another element by inference) includes direct andindirect coupling between two items in the same manner as "coupled to".

As may even further be used herein, the term "configured to", "operableto", "coupled to", or "operably coupled to" indicates that an itemincludes one or more of power connections, input(s), output(s), etc., toperform, when activated, one or more its corresponding functions and mayfurther include inferred coupling to one or more other items. As maystill further be used herein, the term "associated with", includesdirect and/or indirect coupling of separate items and/or one item beingembedded within another item.

As may be used herein, the term "compares favorably", indicates that acomparison between two or more items, signals, etc., provides a desiredrelationship. For example, when the desired relationship is that signal1 has a greater magnitude than signal 2, a favorable comparison may beachieved when the magnitude of signal 1 is greater than that of signal 2or when the magnitude of signal 2 is less than that of signal 1. As maybe used herein, the term "compares unfavorably", indicates that acomparison between two or more items, signals, etc., fails to providethe desired relationship.

As may be used herein, one or more claims may include, in a specificform of this generic form, the phrase "at least one of a, b, and c" orof this generic form "at least one of a, b, or c", with more or lesselements than "a", "b", and "c". In either phrasing, the phrases are tobe interpreted identically. In particular, "at least one of a, b, and c"is equivalent to "at least one of a, b, or c" and shall mean a, b,and/or c. As an example, it means: "a" only, "b" only, "c" only, "a" and"b", "a" and "c", "b" and "c", and/or "a", "b", and "c".

As may also be used herein, the terms "processing module", "processingcircuit", "processor", "processing circuitry", and/or "processing unit"may be a single processing device or a plurality of processing devices.Such a processing device may be a microprocessor, micro-controller,digital signal processor, microcomputer, central processing unit, fieldprogrammable gate array, programmable logic device, state machine, logiccircuitry, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or any device thatmanipulates signals (analog and/or digital) based on hard coding of thecircuitry and/or operational instructions. The processing module,module, processing circuit, processing circuitry, and/or processing unitmay be, or further include, memory and/or an integrated memory element,which may be a single memory device, a plurality of memory devices,and/or embedded circuitry of another processing module, module,processing circuit, processing circuitry, and/or processing unit. Such amemory device may be a read-only memory, random access memory, volatilememory, non-volatile memory, static memory, dynamic memory, flashmemory, cache memory, and/or any device that stores digital information.Note that if the processing module, module, processing circuit,processing circuitry, and/or processing unit includes more than oneprocessing device, the processing devices may be centrally located(e.g., directly coupled together via a wired and/or wireless busstructure) or may be distributedly located (e.g., cloud computing viaindirect coupling via a local area network and/or a wide area network).Further note that if the processing module, module, processing circuit,processing circuitry and/or processing unit implements one or more ofits functions via a state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry,and/or logic circuitry, the memory and/or memory element storing thecorresponding operational instructions may be embedded within, orexternal to, the circuitry comprising the state machine, analogcircuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry. Still further notethat, the memory element may store, and the processing module, module,processing circuit, processing circuitry and/or processing unitexecutes, hard coded and/or operational instructions corresponding to atleast some of the steps and/or functions illustrated in one or more ofthe Figures. Such a memory device or memory element can be included inan article of manufacture.

One or more embodiments have been described above with the aid of methodsteps illustrating the performance of specified functions andrelationships thereof. The boundaries and sequence of these functionalbuilding blocks and method steps have been arbitrarily defined hereinfor convenience of description. Alternate boundaries and sequences canbe defined so long as the specified functions and relationships areappropriately performed. Any such alternate boundaries or sequences arethus within the scope and spirit of the claims. Further, the boundariesof these functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined forconvenience of description. Alternate boundaries could be defined aslong as the certain significant functions are appropriately performed.Similarly, flow diagram blocks may also have been arbitrarily definedherein to illustrate certain significant functionality.

To the extent used, the flow diagram block boundaries and sequence couldhave been defined otherwise and still perform the certain significantfunctionality. Such alternate definitions of both functional buildingblocks and flow diagram blocks and sequences are thus within the scopeand spirit of the claims. One of average skill in the art will alsorecognize that the functional building blocks, and other illustrativeblocks, modules, and components herein, can be implemented asillustrated or by discrete components, application specific integratedcircuits, processors executing appropriate software and the like or anycombination thereof.

In addition, a flow diagram may include a "start" and/or "continue"indication. The "start" and "continue" indications reflect that thesteps presented can optionally be incorporated in or otherwise used inconjunction with one or more other routines. In addition, a flow diagrammay include an "end" and/or "continue" indication. The "end" and/or"continue" indications reflect that the steps presented can end asdescribed and shown or optionally be incorporated in or otherwise usedin conjunction with one or more other routines. In this context, "start"indicates the beginning of the first step presented and may be precededby other activities not specifically shown. Further, the "continue"indication reflects that the steps presented may be performed multipletimes and/or may be succeeded by other activities not specificallyshown. Further, while a flow diagram indicates a particular ordering ofsteps, other orderings are likewise possible provided that theprinciples of causality are maintained.

The one or more embodiments are used herein to illustrate one or moreaspects, one or more features, one or more concepts, and/or one or moreexamples. A physical embodiment of an apparatus, an article ofmanufacture, a machine, and/or of a process may include one or more ofthe aspects, features, concepts, examples, etc. described with referenceto one or more of the embodiments discussed herein. Further, from figureto figure, the embodiments may incorporate the same or similarly namedfunctions, steps, modules, etc. that may use the same or differentreference numbers and, as such, the functions, steps, modules, etc. maybe the same or similar functions, steps, modules, etc. or differentones.

Unless specifically stated to the contra, signals to, from, and/orbetween elements in a figure of any of the figures presented herein maybe analog or digital, continuous time or discrete time, and single-endedor differential. For instance, if a signal path is shown as asingle-ended path, it also represents a differential signal path.Similarly, if a signal path is shown as a differential path, it alsorepresents a single-ended signal path. While one or more particulararchitectures are described herein, other architectures can likewise beimplemented that use one or more data buses not expressly shown, directconnectivity between elements, and/or indirect coupling between otherelements as recognized by one of average skill in the art.

The term "module" is used in the description of one or more of theembodiments. A module implements one or more functions via a device suchas a processor or other processing device or other hardware that mayinclude or operate in association with a memory that stores operationalinstructions. A module may operate independently and/or in conjunctionwith software and/or firmware. As also used herein, a module may containone or more sub-modules, each of which may be one or more modules.

As may further be used herein, a computer readable memory includes oneor more memory elements. A memory element may be a separate memorydevice, multiple memory devices, or a set of memory locations within amemory device. Such a memory device may be a read-only memory, randomaccess memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, static memory,dynamic memory, flash memory, cache memory, a quantum register or otherquantum memory and/or any other device that stores data in anon-transitory manner. Furthermore, the memory device may be in a formof a solid-state memory, a hard drive memory or other disk storage,cloud memory, thumb drive, server memory, computing device memory,and/or other non-transitory medium for storing data. The storage of dataincludes temporary storage (i.e., data is lost when power is removedfrom the memory element) and/or persistent storage (i.e., data isretained when power is removed from the memory element). As used herein,a transitory medium shall mean one or more of: (a) a wired or wirelessmedium for the transportation of data as a signal from one computingdevice to another computing device for temporary storage or persistentstorage; (b) a wired or wireless medium for the transportation of dataas a signal within a computing device from one element of the computingdevice to another element of the computing device for temporary storageor persistent storage; (c) a wired or wireless medium for thetransportation of data as a signal from one computing device to anothercomputing device for processing the data by the other computing device;and (d) a wired or wireless medium for the transportation of data as asignal within a computing device from one element of the computingdevice to another element of the computing device for processing thedata by the other element of the computing device. As may be usedherein, a non-transitory computer readable memory is substantiallyequivalent to a computer readable memory. A non-transitory computerreadable memory can also be referred to as a non-transitory computerreadable storage medium.

While particular combinations of various functions and features of theone or more embodiments have been expressly described herein, othercombinations of these features and functions are likewise possible. Thepresent disclosure is not limited by the particular examples disclosedherein and expressly incorporates these other combinations.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer-implemented method, the methodcomprises: obtaining, by a computing entity of a computing system inaccordance with a securely passing process, control over a secure firsttoken representing a first pending transaction associated with atransaction item, wherein the secure first token includes a set of smartcontracts of the first pending transaction, wherein the set of smartcontracts pertains to a selected contingent asset of a set of candidatecontingent assets for the first pending transaction, wherein the firstpending transaction includes identity of the transaction item, identityof a requesting computing entity, identity of the computing entity, andan authenticated value of the transaction item, wherein the selectedcontingent asset assigns a potential first liability of a first payeridentifier (ID) to a first owner ID associated with the selectedcontingent asset, and wherein only a device possessing control over thesecure first token may modify the secure first token; determining, bythe computing entity in accordance with an instant asset determinationapproach, a set of candidate instant assets that may be utilized tosubsequently provide conversion of the selected contingent asset tocomplete the first pending transaction; obtaining, by the computingentity in accordance with an instant asset selection approach, aselection of a first subset of instant assets of the set of candidateinstant assets to be utilized to subsequently provide the conversion ofthe selected contingent asset to complete the first pending transaction;and generating, by the computing entity, an updated secure first tokenin accordance with the securely passing process to represent theselection of the first subset of instant assets to subsequently providethe conversion of the selected contingent asset to complete the firstpending transaction.
 2. The method of claim 1 further comprises:securely passing, by the computing entity, control over the updatedsecure first token via an object distributed ledger when the securefirst token is processed to complete the first pending transaction. 3.The method of claim 1 further comprises: generating, by the computingentity, the secure first token in accordance with the securely passingprocess to represent utilization of the selected contingent asset forthe first pending transaction associated with the transaction item. 4.The method of claim 1, wherein the obtaining, in accordance with thesecurely passing process, the control over the secure first tokencomprises: receiving an indication of the control over the secure firsttoken from the requesting computing entity; and establishing theidentity of the computing entity to have control over the secure firsttoken.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the determining, in accordancewith the instant asset determination approach, the set of candidateinstant assets that may be utilized to subsequently provide conversionof the selected contingent asset to complete the first pendingtransaction comprises: when the instant asset determination approachincludes a ranked evaluation: identifying potential candidate instantassets based on the secure first token, wherein the potential candidateinstant assets includes one or more of an instant rebate now, a giftcard, an extended warranty from a manufacturer associated with thetransaction item, affinity points with a retailer associated with thepending first transaction, other affinity points with the manufacturerassociated with the transaction item, a donation to one or moreindividuals, a donation to one or more entities, and a payment tosatisfy a portion of another liability associated with a delinquentlypaying consumer to the first payer ID; ranking an estimated benefit toan entity associated with the identity of the requesting computingentity for each potential candidate instant asset of the potentialcandidate instant assets to produce an estimated benefit ranking of aset of estimated benefit rankings; and selecting the set of candidateinstant assets of the potential candidate instant assets based on theestimated benefit ranking of the set of estimated benefit rankings. 6.The method of claim 1, wherein the generating the updated secure firsttoken in accordance with the securely passing process to represent theselection of the first subset of instant assets comprises: determiningwhether to indirectly or directly update an object distributed ledger;when indirectly updating the object distributed ledger: issuing a securefirst token update request to an object ledger computing entity of thecomputing system serving as a blockchain node of the object distributedledger, wherein the secure first token update request includes anupdated set of smart contracts of the first pending transaction based onthe first subset of instant assets; and when directly updating theobject distributed ledger: obtaining a copy of the object distributedledger, hashing the updated set of smart contracts utilizing a receivingpublic key of the object distributed ledger to produce a nexttransaction hash value, encrypting the next transaction hash valueutilizing a private key of the computing entity to produce a nexttransaction signature, generating a next block of a blockchain of theobject distributed ledger to include the updated set of smart contractsand the next transaction signature, and causing inclusion of the nextblock as the updated secure first token in the object distributedledger.
 7. A computing entity of a computing system comprises: aninterface; a local memory; and a processor operably coupled to theinterface and the local memory, wherein the processor performs functionsto: obtain, in accordance with a securely passing process, control overa secure first token representing a first pending transaction associatedwith a transaction item, wherein the secure first token includes a setof smart contracts of the first pending transaction, wherein the set ofsmart contracts pertains to a selected contingent asset of a set ofcandidate contingent assets for the first pending transaction, whereinthe first pending transaction includes identity of the transaction item,identity of a requesting computing entity, identity of the computingentity, and an authenticated value of the transaction item, wherein theselected contingent asset assigns a potential first liability of a firstpayer identifier (ID) to a first owner ID associated with the selectedcontingent asset, and wherein only a device possessing control over thesecure first token may modify the secure first token; determine, inaccordance with an instant asset determination approach, a set ofcandidate instant assets that may be utilized to subsequently provideconversion of the selected contingent asset to complete the firstpending transaction; obtain, in accordance with an instant assetselection approach, a selection of a first subset of instant assets ofthe set of candidate instant assets to be utilized to subsequentlyprovide the conversion of the selected contingent asset to complete thefirst pending transaction; and generate an updated secure first token inaccordance with the securely passing process to represent the selectionof the first subset of instant assets to subsequently provide theconversion of the selected contingent asset to complete the firstpending transaction.
 8. The computing entity of claim 7, wherein theprocessor performs further functions to: securely pass control over theupdated secure first token via an object distributed ledger when thesecure first token is processed to complete the first pendingtransaction.
 9. The computing entity of claim 7, wherein the processorperforms further functions to: generate the secure first token inaccordance with the securely passing process to represent utilization ofthe selected contingent asset for the first pending transactionassociated with the transaction item.
 10. The computing entity of claim7, wherein the processor performs functions to obtain, in accordancewith the securely passing process, the control over the secure firsttoken by: receiving, via the interface, an indication of the controlover the secure first token from the requesting computing entity; andestablishing the identity of the computing entity to have control overthe secure first token.
 11. The computing entity of claim 7, wherein theprocessor performs functions to determine, in accordance with theinstant asset determination approach, the set of candidate instantassets that may be utilized to subsequently provide conversion of theselected contingent asset to complete the first pending transaction by:when the instant asset determination approach includes a rankedevaluation: identifying potential candidate instant assets based on thesecure first token, wherein the potential candidate instant assetsincludes one or more of an instant rebate now, a gift card, an extendedwarranty from a manufacturer associated with the transaction item,affinity points with a retailer associated with the pending firsttransaction, other affinity points with the manufacturer associated withthe transaction item, a donation to one or more individuals, a donationto one or more entities, and a payment to satisfy a portion of anotherliability associated with a delinquently paying consumer to the firstpayer ID; ranking an estimated benefit to an entity associated with theidentity of the requesting computing entity for each potential candidateinstant asset of the potential candidate instant assets to produce anestimated benefit ranking of a set of estimated benefit rankings; andselecting the set of candidate instant assets of the potential candidateinstant assets based on the estimated benefit ranking of the set ofestimated benefit rankings.
 12. The computing entity of claim 7, whereinthe processor performs functions to generate the updated secure firsttoken in accordance with the securely passing process to represent theselection of the first subset of instant assets by: determining whetherto indirectly or directly update an object distributed ledger; whenindirectly updating the object distributed ledger: issuing, via theinterface, a secure first token update request to an object ledgercomputing entity of the computing system serving as a blockchain node ofthe object distributed ledger, wherein the secure first token updaterequest includes an updated set of smart contracts of the first pendingtransaction based on the first subset of instant assets; and whendirectly updating the object distributed ledger: obtaining, via theinterface, a copy of the object distributed ledger, hashing the updatedset of smart contracts utilizing a receiving public key of the objectdistributed ledger to produce a next transaction hash value, encryptingthe next transaction hash value utilizing a private key of the computingentity to produce a next transaction signature, generating a next blockof a blockchain of the object distributed ledger to include the updatedset of smart contracts and the next transaction signature, and causing,via the interface, inclusion of the next block as the updated securefirst token in the object distributed ledger.
 13. A non-transitorycomputer readable memory of a computing system comprises: a first memoryelement that stores operational instructions that, when executed by aprocessing module, causes the processing module to: obtain, inaccordance with a securely passing process, control over a secure firsttoken representing a first pending transaction associated with atransaction item, wherein the secure first token includes a set of smartcontracts of the first pending transaction, wherein the set of smartcontracts pertains to a selected contingent asset of a set of candidatecontingent assets for the first pending transaction, wherein the firstpending transaction includes identity of the transaction item, identityof a requesting computing entity, identity of a computing entityassociated with the processing module, and an authenticated value of thetransaction item, wherein the selected contingent asset assigns apotential first liability of a first payer identifier (ID) to a firstowner ID associated with the selected contingent asset, and wherein onlya device possessing control over the secure first token may modify thesecure first token; a second memory element that stores operationalinstructions that, when executed by the processing module, causes theprocessing module to: determine, in accordance with an instant assetdetermination approach, a set of candidate instant assets that may beutilized to subsequently provide conversion of the selected contingentasset to complete the first pending transaction; and obtain, inaccordance with an instant asset selection approach, a selection of afirst subset of instant assets of the set of candidate instant assets tobe utilized to subsequently provide the conversion of the selectedcontingent asset to complete the first pending transaction; and a thirdmemory element that stores operational instructions that, when executedby the processing module, causes the processing module to: generate anupdated secure first token in accordance with the securely passingprocess to represent the selection of the first subset of instant assetsto subsequently provide the conversion of the selected contingent assetto complete the first pending transaction.
 14. The non-transitorycomputer readable memory of claim 13 further comprises: a fourth memoryelement that stores operational instructions that, when executed by theprocessing module, causes the processing module to: securely passcontrol over the updated secure first token via an object distributedledger when the secure first token is processed to complete the firstpending transaction.
 15. The non-transitory computer readable memory ofclaim 13 further comprises: a fifth memory element that storesoperational instructions that, when executed by the processing module,causes the processing module to: generate the secure first token inaccordance with the securely passing process to represent utilization ofthe selected contingent asset for the first pending transactionassociated with the transaction item.
 16. The non-transitory computerreadable memory of claim 13, wherein the processing module functions toexecute the operational instructions stored by the first memory elementto cause the processing module to obtain, in accordance with thesecurely passing process, the control over the secure first token by:receiving an indication of the control over the secure first token fromthe requesting computing entity; and establishing the identity of thecomputing entity to have control over the secure first token.
 17. Thenon-transitory computer readable memory of claim 13, wherein theprocessing module functions to execute the operational instructionsstored by the second memory element to cause the processing module todetermine, in accordance with the instant asset determination approach,the set of candidate instant assets that may be utilized to subsequentlyprovide conversion of the selected contingent asset to complete thefirst pending transaction by: when the instant asset determinationapproach includes a ranked evaluation: identifying potential candidateinstant assets based on the secure first token, wherein the potentialcandidate instant assets includes one or more of an instant rebate now,a gift card, an extended warranty from a manufacturer associated withthe transaction item, affinity points with a retailer associated withthe pending first transaction, other affinity points with themanufacturer associated with the transaction item, a donation to one ormore individuals, a donation to one or more entities, and a payment tosatisfy a portion of another liability associated with a delinquentlypaying consumer to the first payer ID; ranking an estimated benefit toan entity associated with the identity of the requesting computingentity for each potential candidate instant asset of the potentialcandidate instant assets to produce an estimated benefit ranking of aset of estimated benefit rankings; and selecting the set of candidateinstant assets of the potential candidate instant assets based on theestimated benefit ranking of the set of estimated benefit rankings. 18.The non-transitory computer readable memory of claim 13, wherein theprocessing module functions to execute the operational instructionsstored by the third memory element to cause the processing module togenerate the updated secure first token in accordance with the securelypassing process to represent the selection of the first subset ofinstant assets by: determining whether to indirectly or directly updatean object distributed ledger; when indirectly updating the objectdistributed ledger: issuing a secure first token update request to anobject ledger computing entity of the computing system serving as ablockchain node of the object distributed ledger, wherein the securefirst token update request includes an updated set of smart contracts ofthe first pending transaction based on the first subset of instantassets; and when directly updating the object distributed ledger:obtaining a copy of the object distributed ledger, hashing the updatedset of smart contracts utilizing a receiving public key of the objectdistributed ledger to produce a next transaction hash value, encryptingthe next transaction hash value utilizing a private key of theprocessing module to produce a next transaction signature, generating anext block of a blockchain of the object distributed ledger to includethe updated set of smart contracts and the next transaction signature,and causing inclusion of the next block as the updated secure firsttoken in the object distributed ledger.